How to Use the ISFORMULA Function in Excel
Today, let’s delve into the ISFORMULA function used in Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. This function determines whether a specified cell contains a formula, returning TRUE if it does, and FALSE otherwise.
Syntax:
The syntax for the ISFORMULA function is consistent across both Excel and Google Sheets:
ISFORMULA(value)value: This is the cell or range of cells you are checking for a formula.
Examples:
Example 1 – Basic Usage:
Consider the following scenario where we have data in cells A1, A2, and A3:
| A | B |
|---|---|
| 10 | =A1*2 |
| 15 | 20 |
By entering the formula =ISFORMULA(B1) in cell C1, the function will return TRUE since cell B1 contains a formula. Conversely, entering =ISFORMULA(B2) in cell C2 will return FALSE, indicating that cell B2 does not have a formula.
Example 2 – Using ISFORMULA in Conditional Formatting:
ISFORMULA can be particularly useful when applied to conditional formatting. This feature allows you to visually highlight cells containing formulas, thereby easily distinguishing them from cells containing static data. For instance, select a range of cells and access the conditional formatting menu. Choose to create a new rule and select “Use a formula to determine which cells to format.” Input =ISFORMULA(A1) in the formula field, and then set the desired format for cells containing formulas. Employing ISFORMULA in this manner helps you quickly identify which cells in your spreadsheet are formula-driven, which is invaluable in managing complex sheets filled with numerous calculations. In summary, the ISFORMULA function is an essential tool for verifying the presence of formulas in cells within Excel and Google Sheets. It proves especially beneficial in environments where clear differentiation between calculated and input data is necessary.
More information: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/isformula-function-e4d1355f-7121-4ef2-801e-3839bfd6b1e5