ISTEXT Function in Excel
Master the ISTEXT function with examples and solutions. Learn to check if cells contain text in Excel and Sheets for data validation.
Excel
Google SheetsExcelGoogle Sheets=ISTEXT(value)Quick Answer
ISTEXT function ISTEXT function checks if a value is text in Excel and Google Sheets, returning TRUE for text and FALSE for other data types. Syntax: `=ISTEXT(value)`.
=ISTEXT(value)- Saves 80% time performing data quality checks
Practical Examples
Basic Text Check
Determine if a cell contains text
Conditional Text Formatting
Create different outputs based on whether a cell contains text
Count Text Entries in Range
Count how many cells contain text in a dataset
Data Validation Alert
Flag cells that should contain numbers but contain text
Filter Text Values for Processing
Extract only text entries from mixed data column
Protect Against Text in Calculations
Safely handle calculations that might encounter text
Dynamic Text Detection with Array Formula
Check multiple cells simultaneously for text content
Common Errors and Solutions
ISTEXT returns TRUE for what appears to be a number
Numbers imported from external sources or preceded by an apostrophe (') are stored as text, even though they look like numbers
1. Check for green triangle in upper-left corner of cell (text indicator) 2. Use VALUE() function to convert text to number: =VALUE(A1) 3. For multiple cells, use Paste Special > Add with value 0 4. Verify by checking if ISTEXT now returns FALSE
When importing data, use Excel's Text to Columns feature and select appropriate data types
Example:
Expecting TRUE for blank cells but getting FALSE
ISTEXT only returns TRUE for actual text values. Empty cells, even though they appear blank, are not text and return FALSE
1. Use ISBLANK() to check for empty cells specifically 2. Combine checks: =OR(ISTEXT(A1), ISBLANK(A1)) 3. For spaces that look empty: =ISTEXT(A1) AND LEN(A1)=0 detects cells with only spaces
Use ISBLANK() for empty cell detection, ISTEXT() only for actual text content
Example:
ISTEXT returns FALSE for cell containing a formula that outputs text
ISTEXT evaluates the result of the formula, not the formula itself. If the formula returns a number or error, ISTEXT returns FALSE
1. Check what the formula actually returns 2. If formula returns text, ISTEXT will correctly return TRUE 3. Use ISFORMULA() to check if cell contains a formula 4. Wrap in TEXT() function if you want to force text output
Remember that ISTEXT evaluates the cell's displayed value, not whether it contains a formula
Example:
Expecting TRUE for cells with errors like #N/A or #VALUE!
Error values (#N/A, #VALUE!, #REF!, etc.) are a distinct data type in Excel and are not considered text
1. Use ISERROR() to check for error values 2. Use ISERR() to check for all errors except #N/A 3. Use ISNA() specifically for #N/A errors 4. Combine: =OR(ISTEXT(A1), ISERROR(A1)) to catch both
Use the appropriate IS function for each data type: ISERROR for errors, ISTEXT for text, ISNUMBER for numbers
Example:
Best Practices and Advanced Techniques
Combine with IF for Powerful Logic
The most powerful use of ISTEXT is combining it with IF to create conditional formulas that respond differently to text versus other data types. This enables robust error handling and flexible data processing.
Use with Data Validation
Create custom data validation rules using ISTEXT to ensure users enter the correct data type. This prevents common data entry errors and maintains data quality in shared spreadsheets.
Performance with Large Datasets
When working with thousands of rows, ISTEXT is one of the fastest functions in Excel. Unlike text comparison functions, it performs a simple type check that doesn't require string parsing, making it ideal for large-scale data validation.
Watch for Numbers Stored as Text
The most common pitfall with ISTEXT is not recognizing that imported data often contains numbers stored as text. These values look like numbers but ISTEXT returns TRUE. Always check your imported data with ISTEXT to identify these issues early.
Use IS Function Family Together
ISTEXT works best as part of Excel's IS function family. Combine ISTEXT, ISNUMBER, ISBLANK, and ISERROR to create comprehensive data validation and quality control workflows.
Conditional Formatting Applications
Use ISTEXT in conditional formatting rules to automatically highlight text entries in numeric columns or vice versa. This visual feedback helps identify data inconsistencies immediately during data entry or import.
Platform Differences
ISTEXT works identically in Excel (all versions) and Google Sheets. There are no syntax differences or compatibility issues. The function has been available since Excel's earliest versions and remains unchanged.
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Example Excel formula:
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