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Quick Answer

ISTEXT Function

Tests whether a value is text.

✓ Excel✓ Google SheetsExcel All versions

Syntax

ISTEXT
(value)

Parameters

ParameterDescriptionRequired
valueThe value, cell reference, or formula result to test.Required

Basic Example

Check a cell containing a word

=ISTEXT("Hello")
ResultTRUE

"Hello" is a text string, so the function returns TRUE.

Advanced Examples

Example 1: An empty string is text

A formula returns "" to indicate no data.

Detect a formula-produced empty string

=ISTEXT(A1)
Result: TRUE
A1 holds a formula returning ""; because that is text, ISTEXT returns TRUE.

Example 2: Numbers are not text

Verify a numeric cell.

Confirm a number returns FALSE

=ISTEXT(42)
Result: FALSE
42 is a number, not text, so the result is FALSE.

How ISTEXT Works

ISTEXT checks the data type of the supplied value. If it is a text string—including numbers stored as text and the empty string ""—it returns TRUE; numbers, logicals, errors, blank cells, and dates return FALSE.

1
Pick the value
Select the cell or value to test.
2
Enter the formula
Type =ISTEXT(value).
3
Read the result
TRUE means text, FALSE means not.

Important Notes & Limitations

  • Numbers formatted as text return TRUE.

  • An empty string "" produced by a formula is considered text.

  • Errors, logicals, and numbers return FALSE.

Common Errors & Fixes

Unexpected TRUEA number is stored as text.

Fix: Convert it to a number with VALUE() or Text to Columns.

FALSE on a dateDates are stored as numbers.

Fix: Use ISNUMBER to test for dates.

Download Practice File

Practice ISTEXT with Real Data

Download a sample CSV file with pre-populated data and practice exercises for the ISTEXT function. Works in both Excel and Google Sheets.

Works in Google SheetsCompatible with ExcelIncludes exercises

File format: CSV (comma-separated values) - opens in Excel, Google Sheets, and all spreadsheet apps

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ISTEXT catch numbers stored as text?
Yes, a numeric value stored as text returns TRUE.
What about blank cells?
A truly blank cell returns FALSE; only an actual empty string or text returns TRUE.
Is "" considered text?
Yes, the empty string is text, so ISTEXT returns TRUE for it.