What is an ISNONTEXT Function?
The ISNONTEXT function is a useful tool commonly used in spreadsheet applications, such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. It belongs to the category of logical functions and is designed to evaluate whether a given value is not a text. This function can be particularly helpful when working with large datasets that include a mix of text and numerical values.
The ISNONTEXT function helps determine if a cell contains any non-textual data. It returns a TRUE if the cell does not contain text, and FALSE if it does. It can be useful for checking if a cell contains numbers, dates, or other non-text values.
To identify cells with text values in Excel, we can utilize the ISNONTEXT function. Follow the below steps to accomplish this task.
Enter the ISNONTEXT formula in cell B2. The complete formula to be entered is =ISNONTEXT(A2). The calculated result is displayed in column B.
Syntax
The ISNONTEXT function has the following arguments:
value – This parameter represents the expression or value that necessitates testing. It is commonly provided in the form of a cell address.
Upon execution, the ISNONTEXT function will generate a logical value, either TRUE or FALSE.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- The ISNONTEXT function allows us to determine whether any content has been entered into a cell.
- The ISNONTEXT function is one of the IS functions that provide logical values, either TRUE or FALSE.
- Unlike other error-prone functions like #NAME! or #N/A!, the ISNONTEXT function solely evaluates data and does not generate any errors.
- It returns “TRUE” if the value is not a text string and “FALSE” if it is.
- The ISNONTEXT function proves especially useful when dealing with large datasets, facilitating efficient decision-making processes based on specific criteria rather than sifting through vast amounts of irrelevant information.
How To Use ISNONTEXT Function In Excel?
#1 – Access to ISNONTEXT from the Excel ribbon
Step 1: Choose the empty cell which will contain the result.
Step 2: Go to the “Formulas” tab and click it.
Step 3: Select the “More Functions” option from the menu.
Step 4: Select the “Information” option from the menu.
Step 5: Select the “ISNONTEXT” option from the drop-down menu.
Step 6: A window called “Function Arguments” appears.
Step 7: As the number of arguments, enter the value in the “value.”
Step 8: Select OK.
#2 – Enter the worksheet manually
Step 1: Select an empty cell for the output.
Step 2: Type “=ISNONTEXT (” in the selected cell. Alternatively, type “=I” and double-click and then the ISNONTEXT formula from the list of suggestions shown by Excel.
Step 3: Enter the required value after the opening brace and press the “Enter” key.
Examples
Example #1 – Using a text value
To identify cells with text values using the ISNONTEXT Excel function, the following steps should be followed:
Step 1: Below we have some values in cells A1 to A3. Select the column where the formula will be entered and the result will be calculated. For this example, column B will be used.
Step 2: Enter the ISNONTEXT formula in cell B2. The complete formula to be entered is =ISNONTEXT(A2), with the value argument referencing cell A2.
Step 3: The calculated result will be displayed in column B. Press Enter in cell B2 and drag the cursor to cell B4. Cell B4 will return TRUE, indicating that cell A4 contains a nontext value. Conversely, cells B2 and B3 will return FALSE, indicating that cells A2 and A3 contain text values.
Example #2 – Using a Date Value
To identify cells with date values in Excel, we can utilize the ISNONTEXT function. Follow the steps below to accomplish this:
Step 1: Begin by selecting the column to enter the formula and calculate the result. For this example as well, let’s use column B.
Step 2: Proceed to enter the ISNONTEXT formula in cell B2. The complete formula to be entered is =ISNONTEXT(A2), with the value argument referencing cell A2.
Step 3: Once we have entered the formula, the calculated result will be displayed in column B. Simply press Enter in cell B2 and drag the cursor down to cell B3. As a result, cells B2 and B3 will return TRUE, indicating that cells A2 and A3 contain a date value.
Example #3 – Using a Formula that returns a Non-Text Value
To identify cells with text and non-text values in Excel, we can utilize the IF excel function with the ISNONTEXT that returns a non-text value. Follow the steps below to accomplish this:
Step 1: Begin by selecting the column where we wish to enter the formula and calculate the result. For this example, let’s use column B.
Step 2: Proceed to enter the ISNONTEXT formula in cell B2. The complete formula to be entered is =IF(ISNONTEXT(A2), A2), with the value argument referencing cell A2.
This is the formula that will return a non-text value; if the ISNONTEXT Excel function finds a non-text value, it will return the value itself; otherwise, it will return false; that is why it is not necessary to give 2nd argument.
Step 3: Once we have entered the formula, the calculated result will be displayed in column B. Simply press Enter in cell B2 and drag the cursor down to cell B6.
Cells B4 to B6 will return non-text values, indicating that cells A4 to A6 contain non-text values. Conversely, cells B2 and B3 will return FALSE, indicating that cells A2 and A3 contain text values.
Important Things To Note
- Utilizing the ISNONTEXT function, we can quickly identify and separate non-textual data, making it easier to manipulate and process information accordingly.
- The ISNONTEXT Excel function can be utilized as part of validation processes to ensure accurate and valid input.
- It can be used in conjunction with the SUMPRODUCT function to count the cells which do not have text in a given range.
- When numbers are stored in the text form in specific cases, ISTEXT excel function returns TRUE and ISNONTEXT returns FALSE.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ISNONTEXT function in Excel is commonly used for data and helps users identify cells that do not contain text values. By evaluating a cell’s content, the ISNONTEXT function determines if the value is non-textual, returning either “TRUE” or “FALSE.” This feature proves particularly useful in scenarios where data quality is crucial, such as when working with large datasets or importing data from external sources. For instance, it can assist in detecting errors or inconsistencies within spreadsheets generated by different systems or users.
The benefit of using the ISNONTEXT function lies in its ability to automate data processing tasks and enhance productivity when working with complex datasets in Excel. For example, to identify cells containing text values in Excel, we use the ISNONTEXT function.
Enter the formula =ISNONTEXT(A2) in cell B2. Press enter and the calculated result will be displayed in column B.
When using the ISNONTEXT function, there are a few limitations and considerations that need to be considered.
• Firstly, this function is only available in Excel and cannot be used in other spreadsheet programs or software.
• Additionally, it solely tests whether a cell contains non-textual values, such as numbers or dates. It does not distinguish between different types of text formats, such as numeric strings or scientific notation. Hence, caution must be exercised when applying this function with cells that may contain such variations as they could lead to inaccurate results.
• Furthermore, if the cell being tested is empty or consists of an error value like #VALUE! or #DIV/0!, the ISNONTEXT function will return FALSE by default, which can potentially produce misleading outcomes if not carefully handled.
• One notable application is data cleaning and validation, where this function can be used to identify cells or ranges that contain non-textual elements. By flagging these anomalies, professionals can promptly address them by either correcting the entries or investigating the underlying causes.
• Another critical use lies in conditional formatting and advanced filtering techniques. The ISNONTEXT function allows users to filter for specific cell types, such as text or numbers, enabling concise data segmentation and displaying only relevant information.
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