Excel - ISTEXT Function



ISTEXT Function

The Excel ISTEXT function retrieves the Boolean value TRUE or FALSE. It inspects whether the text values reside in the content of the cell or not. If the "value" argument refers to a non-text value, the ISTEXT function retrieves FALSE. Otherwise, it retrieves TRUE. This is contrary to the ISNONTEXT function.

The ISTEXT function is more versatile when combined with other functions for resolving crucial tasks such as data filtration and manipulation. For example:

  • Filtering out the text values when used with the FILTER function.
  • Counting text values in an enormous dataset combined with the SUMPRODUCT function.
  • Displaying user-defined messages when merged with the IF function.

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
  • Excel 2010
  • Excel 2007

Syntax

The syntax of the ISTEXT function is as follows −

=ISTEXT(value)

Arguments

You can use the following arguments with the ISTEXT function −

Argument Description Required/Optional
Value A cell reference that points to text. Required

Points to Remember

  • Before evaluating the specific formula, you can check the type of the cell values with the ISTEXT function.
  • It is categorized under the Excel Information Functions.
  • It is not supported in older versions earlier than Excel 2007

Examples of ISTEXT Function

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

Example 1 : How to Execute the ISTEXT Function in Excel?

Solution

Step 1 − Assume the sample dataset, where mixed data values like number, text, and empty values are specified in the B column. Select the cell range B2:B8 and type the formula =ISTEXT(A2) in the B2 cell.

Execute the ISTEXT Function in Excel1

Step 2 − After that, press "Ctrl+Enter", which quickly populates the computed values in the selected cell range.

Execute the ISTEXT Function in Excel2

Note − Pressing the Enter tab only gives you the resultant value in one cell.

Example 2: Advanced ISTEXT Function

Let's have a look at a few case scenarios.

Case 1: Using the Dynamic Array

Solution

With the help of a dynamic array, you can write the values directly despite giving cell references as we did in the previous examples.

Now, enter the formula =ISTEXT({"tx",4,"$32","4","tr"}) in the B3 cell.

ISTEXT Function Using the Dynamic Array1

After that, hit the Enter tab.

ISTEXT Function Using the Dynamic Array2

Case 2: Using ISTEXT with CONCATENATE operator

Solution

In the dynamic array, you can apply the concatenate operator between two array elements and then use the ISTEXT function to check whether the result is text.

Write the formula = ISTEXT(1 & 2) in the B6 cell. In this expression, the & operator is used between two numbers.

Using ISTEXT with CONCATENATE operator1

After pressing the Enter tab, you can observe that the result is TRUE as the concatenate operator converts the non-text values, like numbers, into the text value.

Using ISTEXT with CONCATENATE operator2

However, if you enter the formula =ISTEXT(12) in the B8 cell, so the resulting value is FALSE.

Using ISTEXT with CONCATENATE operator3

Using ISTEXT with CONCATENATE operator4

Example 3: Counting the Number of Text Values using SUMPRODUCT

Solution

You cannot use the COUNTIF function with the ISTEXT function to count the number of text values. However, you can imply the COUNTIF function with the wildcard * to match the text values.

Furthermore, you would apply the SUMPRODUCT to calculate the number of text values.

Type the formula =SUMPRODUCT(--(ISTEXT(A2:A8))) in the C3 cell.

Counting Number of Text Values using SUMPRODUCT1

After that, hit the Enter tab.

Counting Number of Text Values using SUMPRODUCT2

Download Practice Sheet

You can download and use the sample data sheet to practice the ISTEXT function.

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