How to use the ISNONTEXT function in Excel

This function returns TRUE if the value is not text (including numbers, errors, logical values, or empty cells). It returns FALSE only if the value is text.

Syntax

ISNONTEXT(value)

Arguments

• value (required): The expression to check (number, text, formula, logical value, error, reference, or name).

Key Features

1. Part of the IS() function family – evaluates without type conversion (e.g., « 123 » is treated as text, not a number).
2. Returns TRUE for empty cells – unlike some other IS functions.
3. Counterpart to ISTEXT():
   ISNONTEXT(value) = NOT(ISTEXT(value))

Practical Applications

1. Data Validation (Prevent Text Entries)

=ISNONTEXT(B41)

• Use in Data Validation (Custom formula) to block text inputs in a cell while allowing numbers/dates/empty cell
• Location: Data tab → Data Validation → Custom → Enter formula

2. Handling Cell Overflow Issues
   When long text might spill into adjacent cells:

• Combine with conditional formatting to flag potential display issues
• Use to trigger warnings when formulas generate unexpected text outputs

3. Clean Data Processing

=IF(ISNONTEXT(A1), « Numeric Data », « Text Data »)

• Useful for data type categorization in reports
• Helps separate text/non-text entries for different processing

Special Notes:

• Returns TRUE for all error types (#N/A, #VALUE!, etc.)
• Blank cells return TRUE (different from some other IS functions)
• Numeric strings (e.g., « 123 ») are considered TEXT (returns FALSE)

Example Setup:

1. Select target cell
2. Data → Data Validation → Custom
3. Enter: =ISNONTEXT(B41)
4. Set error alert style/message
5. Copy validation to other cells as needed

This provides robust control over text inputs while allowing all other value types.