Excel - ISFORMULA Function



ISFORMULA Function

The ISFORMULA function is part of the IS functions and is listed under the EXCEL information function. It was first launched in Excel 2013. The ISFORMULA function examines whether the cell reference points to a formula. If it does not contain the formula, the ISFORMULA will retrieve the FALSE value. Otherwise, the TRUE value is being retrieved.

For example, when downloading a lengthy dataset from external resources that contains a mixed set of direct and indirect values, you can apply the ISFORMULA function to audit the worksheet and inspect which cell contains the formula.

Compatibility

This advanced Excel function is compatible with the following versions of MS Excel −

  • Excel for Microsoft 365
  • Excel for Microsoft 365 for Mac
  • Excel for the web
  • Excel 2024
  • Excel 2024 for Mac
  • Excel 2021
  • Excel 2021 for Mac
  • Excel 2019
  • Excel 2016
  • Excel Web App
  • Excel 2013

Syntax

The syntax of the ISFORMULA function is as follows −

=ISFORMULA(reference)

Arguments

You can use the following arguments with the ISFORMULA function −

Argument Description Required/ Optional
Reference It specifies a cell reference that refers to a formula, conditional expression, or a defined name that points to a specific cell, Required

Points to Remember

  • If you specify the invalid data type in the cell range, then the ISFORMULA function will retrieve the #VALUE!.
  • The ISFORMULA function returns TRUE if the circular reference is provided in the "reference" argument.
  • You can combine the ISFORMULA function with the IF statement to give the custom message.
  • You can use the conditional formatting feature to highlight the Boolean value.

Examples of ISFORMULA Function

Practice the following examples to learn the use of the ISFORMULA function in Excel.

Example 1: Using the Mixed Set of Data

Solution

Step 1 − First, assume the sample dataset consists of two columns, named Reference and Result. The mixed set of data is showcased in the Reference column. You can apply the ISFORMULA function in this dataset to identify which cell content contains the formula.

Let's get started.

Using the mixed set of data1

Step 2 − After that, select the cell range C3:C9 and enter the formula =ISFORMULA(A2) in the B2 cell.

Using the mixed set of data2

Step 3 − Moreover, press the "Ctrl+Enter" shortcut keys that instantly populate the result in the selected cell range.

Using the mixed set of data3

As you can notice in the screenshot, the TRUE represents the cell reference containing the formula and vice versa.

Example 2: How to Count Cells that Contain Formulas in Microsoft Excel?

Solution

Step 1 − Usually, we use the COUNTIF function to count the number of items with the defined constraints. However, it cannot identify the formula in the array. You can use the following expression =SUM(--ISFORMULA(A2:A8)) in the B10 cell. In this expression, the double operator (--) converts the Boolean values into 1 for True and 0 for False. The SUM() function sums the numbers of 1.

Count Cells that Contain Formulas in Microsoft Excel1

Step 2 − After that, hit the Enter tab to get the result.

Count Cells that Contain Formulas in Microsoft Excel2

Therefore, the total count is 4, indicating that only 4 cells contain TRUE out of 8.

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