Using IS Functions in Excel

Excel’s IS functions are powerful tools for evaluating the contents of cells and returning a simple TRUE or FALSE value. These functions are particularly useful when combined with other functions like IF to handle specific conditions. Below is a comprehensive guide to each of the nine IS functions and how to use them effectively.

List of IS Functions in Excel

The syntax for all IS functions is consistent:

excelCopy code=ISFUNCTION(value)

Here, value can be a cell reference, a number, or text.

Examples of IS Functions1. ISBLANK

• Formula:excelCopy code=ISBLANK(A1)
  • Returns TRUE if cell A1 is empty; otherwise FALSE.
• With IF:excelCopy code=IF(ISBLANK(A1),"Empty","Not Empty")
  • Displays “Empty” if A1 is blank, otherwise “Not Empty”.

2. ISERROR

• Formula:excelCopy code=ISERROR(A1/B1)
  • Checks if a calculation (e.g., division) results in an error. Returns TRUE for errors like #DIV/0!.
• With IF:excelCopy code=IF(ISERROR(A1/B1), "Error", "Valid")
  • Displays “Error” if the calculation fails, otherwise “Valid”.

3. ISNUMBER

• Formula:excelCopy code=ISNUMBER(A1)
  • Returns TRUE if A1 contains a number.
• With IF:excelCopy code=IF(ISNUMBER(A1),"Valid Number","Please enter a number")
  • Informs the user if the value is not numeric.

4. ISTEXT

• Formula:excelCopy code=ISTEXT(A1)
  • Checks if A1 contains text.
• With IF:excelCopy code=IF(ISTEXT(A1),"Valid Text","Please enter text")
  • Ensures a text value is entered.

5. ISLOGICAL

• Formula:excelCopy code=ISLOGICAL(A1)
  • Returns TRUE if A1 contains a logical value (TRUE or FALSE).
• Use Case:
  Verify if a cell contains a logical operation result.

6. ISNA

• Formula:excelCopy code=ISNA(VLOOKUP(100,A1:B10,2,FALSE))
  • Returns TRUE if the VLOOKUP function fails with a #N/A error.
• With IF:excelCopy code=IF(ISNA(VLOOKUP(100,A1:B10,2,FALSE)),"Not Found","Found")
  • Displays “Not Found” if the value is missing in the lookup.

7. ISNONTEXT

• Formula:excelCopy code=ISNONTEXT(A1)
  • Returns TRUE if A1 contains a non-text value (including numbers or blanks).
• With IF:excelCopy code=IF(ISNONTEXT(A1),"Non-Text Value","Text Value")
  • Distinguishes between text and non-text inputs.

8. ISREF

• Formula:excelCopy code=ISREF(A1)
  • Returns TRUE if A1 is a valid reference.
• Use Case:
  Validate cell references in dynamic formulas or macros.

9. ISERR

• Formula:excelCopy code=ISERR(A1/B1)
  • Identifies any error except #N/A.
• With IF:excelCopy code=IF(ISERR(A1/B1),"Error Detected","No Error")
  • Provides customized messages for errors.

Combining IS Functions with IFERROR

For simpler error handling, consider using IFERROR instead of combining IF and ISERROR:

excelCopy code=IFERROR(A1/B1, "Error Detected")

Unlock powerful features with a genuine Office 2021 Professional Plus Key – get the best deal at the lowest price today!