Python if, elif and else Statements with Real Examples for Beginners

P5.3 Python elif: Checking Many Conditions

By Ravindra Bagale, trainer LinkedIn Last updated: 27 October 2026

Why. Real rules have more than two outcomes: grades A/B/C, delivery bands, risk levels.

What. elif means "else if". Python checks from top to bottom and runs only the first True block.

How.

Write a chain

Start with the most specific (highest) check.
Add elif for each next band.
End with else for everything left.
Test with a value from each band.

Worked example A — Delivery speed bands.

Step 1 — What we do. A courier in Manila labels deliveries.

Step 2 — Type and run this code.

minutes = 25
if minutes <= 15:
    band = "Super fast"
elif minutes <= 30:
    band = "Fast"
elif minutes <= 60:
    band = "Normal"
else:
    band = "Slow"
print(band)

Step 3 — Output you should see.

Fast

Step 4 — What it means. 25 is not <= 15, but it is <= 30, so "Fast". Python stops after the first match.

Worked example B — Order matters.

Step 1 — What we do. We write the same rule in the wrong order to see the problem.

Step 2 — Type and run this code.

minutes = 10
if minutes <= 60:
    band = "Normal"
elif minutes <= 15:
    band = "Super fast"
else:
    band = "Slow"
print(band)

Step 3 — Output you should see.

Normal

Step 4 — What it means. 10 minutes should be "Super fast" but we got "Normal", because the wide check came first. Always order from narrow to wide.

Worked example C — Loan risk from a score.

Step 1 — What we do. A bank in Lagos rates customers by credit score.

Step 2 — Type and run this code.

score = 710
if score >= 750:
    risk = "Low"
elif score >= 650:
    risk = "Medium"
else:
    risk = "High"
print(f"Score {score}: {risk} risk")

Step 3 — Output you should see.

Score 710: Medium risk

Step 4 — What it means. 710 falls in the 650–749 band, so Medium.

Ravindra Bagale's Tip

Write your bands in a small table on paper first (from, to, label). Then the elif chain writes itself.