How to Use the TYPE Function in Excel
Today, let’s explore the TYPE function, an extremely handy tool in both Excel and Google Sheets. This function is crucial for identifying the data type present in a cell—be it a number, text, logical value, error value, array, or reference. We’ll delve into the specifics of how to effectively utilize the TYPE function across both platforms.
Basic Syntax
The syntax for the TYPE function is consistent across Excel and Google Sheets:
=TYPE(value)Here, value represents the cell or the reference to the cell whose data type you want to determine.
Examples of Using the TYPE Function
The TYPE function is particularly useful in several scenarios, such as:
- Determining whether a cell contains a number, text, logical value, error value, array, or reference.
- Integrating the results of the TYPE function with other functions for tasks like conditional formatting or data validation.
Example 1: Checking the Type of Data
Consider we have the data in cell A1 as shown:
| A1 |
| 42 |
To ascertain the data type in cell A1, apply the TYPE function as follows:
=TYPE(A1)In this example, the function will return 1, indicating that the data type is a number.
Example 2: Using the Type Result for Conditional Formatting
The result of the TYPE function can also facilitate conditional formatting. For example, you might apply different styles depending on whether the cell contains a number or text.
By merging the TYPE function with conditional formatting rules, you can effortlessly highlight cells based on their specific data types.
These examples merely scratch the surface of how the TYPE function can be employed in Excel and Google Sheets. As a versatile function, it aids in enhancing your understanding of spreadsheet data and supports diverse data analysis activities.
More information: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/type-function-45b4e688-4bc3-48b3-a105-ffa892995899