Cellwise

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.

fx=ISTEXT(value)

Arguments

value
The cell or value to test.

ISTEXT examples

Every result below was calculated live from this sample sheet.

ABC
1RespondentAgeRating
2S-101344
3S-102Prefer not to say5
4S-10327N/A
5S-104413
  1. fx=ISTEXT(B3)

    Result: TRUE

    TRUE, because the answer is words, not an age.

  2. fx=ISTEXT(B5)

    Result: TRUE

    TRUE. The 41 was entered as text, so it will not be averaged.

  3. fx=IF(ISTEXT(C4),"Skip",C4)

    Result: Skip

    Marks text answers to skip and keeps real ratings.

  4. fx=ISTEXT(C2)

    Result: FALSE

    FALSE for a real number.

How to use ISTEXT

  1. Click the cell for the result.
  2. Type =ISTEXT( and click the cell to test.
  3. Press Enter to see TRUE or FALSE.
  4. 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

Updated 2026-10-31