The Problem
You have a column with mixed data types (some cells are blank, some have numbers, some have text) and need to check what type each cell is. You want to validate data or handle different types differently.
The Easy Way: Use SheetXAI
If you don't want to mess with formulas, the fastest way to do this is simply by asking.
With SheetXAI, you can open the sidebar and type:
Check if cell A2 is blank, contains a number, or contains text.
SheetXAI will instantly write the formula or script for you and fill the cells. It handles the syntax so you can focus on the result.
The Manual Way: The Formulas You Need
To do this manually, you need to use: ISBLANK, ISNUMBER, or ISTEXT.
1. ISBLANK
Returns TRUE if a cell is empty (blank), FALSE otherwise. Checks if a cell contains no value.
Syntax: =ISBLANK(value)
- value: The cell or value to check.
Example: ISBLANK(A2) returns TRUE if A2 is empty, FALSE if it has any content.
2. ISNUMBER
Returns TRUE if a value is a number, FALSE otherwise. Checks if a cell contains numeric data.
Syntax: =ISNUMBER(value)
- value: The cell or value to check.
Example: ISNUMBER(A2) returns TRUE if A2 contains a number, FALSE if it's text or blank.
3. ISTEXT
Returns TRUE if a value is text, FALSE otherwise. Checks if a cell contains text data.
Syntax: =ISTEXT(value)
- value: The cell or value to check.
Example: ISTEXT(A2) returns TRUE if A2 contains text, FALSE if it's a number or blank.
Understanding the Logic
- ISBLANK: Checks if a cell is empty. Returns TRUE for blank cells, FALSE for any content.
- ISNUMBER: Checks if a value is numeric. Returns TRUE for numbers, FALSE for text or blanks.
- ISTEXT: Checks if a value is text. Returns TRUE for text, FALSE for numbers or blanks.
Key points:
- These functions return TRUE or FALSE (boolean values)
- Often used with IF statements: IF(ISBLANK(A2), 'Empty', A2)
- Useful for data validation and error checking
- A cell can only be one type: blank, number, or text
Common use cases:
- ISBLANK: Check if required fields are filled, skip empty rows
- ISNUMBER: Validate that a cell contains a number before calculations
- ISTEXT: Check if data is text before text operations
The Final Formula:
=ISBLANK(A2)
Conclusion
Now you know the "classic" way to solve this using formulas. It's a great skill to have.
But for those times when you just want the job done without the mental math, SheetXAI is there to help.
Related Guides
- IF-THEN Formula in Google Sheets - Use with IS functions for conditional logic
- Nested IF in Google Sheets - Multiple conditions with IS functions
- IFERROR in Google Sheets - Handle errors gracefully
- Google Sheets AI Guide - Learn how AI can automate your Google Sheets workflows
- AI Spreadsheet Tools - Discover how AI transforms spreadsheet work
