Excel ISTEXT function
Returns TRUE when the value is text, even if it looks like a number. In Spanish Excel it is called ESTEXTO.
Syntax
English Excel
=ISTEXT(value)
Spanish Excel (Mexico)
=ESTEXTO(valor)
Spanish Excel (Spain, Latin America)
=ESTEXTO(valor)
| Argument | What it is |
|---|---|
| value | The cell to check. |
Example
A number pasted from another system can end up as text: it sits on the left and SUM skips it without warning. ISTEXT(cell) catches it before the total goes wrong.
=IF(ISTEXT(B2),"Check","OK")
Common mistake
It finds numbers pasted as text, which SUM skips. Convert them with VALUE.
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Practice ISTEXT
Type the formula in the sheet and check it instantly. Spanish or English function names both work. See all lessons
Numbers stored as text: ISTEXT
A number pasted from another system can end up as text: it sits on the left and SUM skips it without warning. ISTEXT(cell) catches it before the total goes wrong.
In C2, show "Check" if the amount was stored as text and "OK" if it is a number.
| A | B | C | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Invoice | Amount | Entry | |
| 2 | F-101 | 1,250 | ||
| 3 | F-102 | 980 | ||
| 4 | F-103 | 2,300 | ||
| 5 | F-104 | 1 450 | ||
| 6 | F-105 | 760 | ||
| 7 | Total | |||
| 8 |
Tip: while typing, click a cell or drag across several to insert their reference. F4 anchors the reference with $.
Frequently asked questions
- What is ISTEXT called in Spanish?
- In Spanish Excel it is ESTEXTO. The formula =IF(ISTEXT(B2),"Check","OK") is written =SI(ESTEXTO(B2);"Revisar";"OK") (or with commas in Mexico).
- Why does ISTEXT use semicolons in some Excel versions?
- It depends on regional settings. Where the comma is the decimal mark (Spain, much of South America), Excel separates arguments with semicolons. English Excel and Mexican Spanish Excel use commas.
- What is the most common ISTEXT mistake?
- It finds numbers pasted as text, which SUM skips. Convert them with VALUE.