Cleanup function
Excel ISTEXT function
ISTEXT returns TRUE when a value is text and FALSE for numbers, dates, blanks, and errors. Use it to find non-numeric answers in survey data or text-formatted numbers that break your totals.
=ISTEXT(value)Arguments
value- The cell or value to test.
ISTEXT examples
Every result below was calculated from this sample sheet by the same spreadsheet engine the Cellwise app uses.
| A | B | C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Respondent | Age | Rating |
| 2 | S-101 | 34 | 4 |
| 3 | S-102 | Prefer not to say | 5 |
| 4 | S-103 | 27 | N/A |
| 5 | S-104 | 41 | 3 |
Result: TRUE
TRUE, because the answer is words, not an age.
Result: TRUE
TRUE. The 41 was entered as text, so it will not be averaged.
Result: Skip
Marks text answers to skip and keeps real ratings.
Result: FALSE
FALSE for a real number.
How to use ISTEXT
- Click the cell for the result.
- Type =ISTEXT( and click the cell to test.
- Press Enter to see TRUE or FALSE.
- Fill it down next to your data to spot problem rows.
Common ISTEXT mistakes
Expecting FALSE for numbers stored as text
A number typed as text is text. ISTEXT says TRUE, which is how you find them.
Expecting TRUE for a blank cell
Empty cells are not text. Use ISBLANK for those.
Counting text cells one by one
Use =COUNTIF(range,"*") to count all text cells in one step.
ISTEXT FAQ
How do I check if a cell contains text in Excel?
Use =ISTEXT(A2). It returns TRUE for any text, including numbers stored as text.
How do I count cells that contain text in Excel?
Use =COUNTIF(A2:A50,"*"). The asterisk wildcard matches any text value.
What is the difference between ISTEXT and ISNUMBER?
They are opposites for filled cells. ISTEXT is TRUE for text, ISNUMBER is TRUE for numbers and dates. Both are FALSE for blanks.
Practice ISTEXT in these lessons
Guides that use ISTEXT
Related functions
ISNUMBERIs it a number?ISBLANKIs the cell empty?COUNTIFCounts cells that matchIFPicks a result from a test
Updated