Data Cleaningbeginner
Validate numeric entries with ISNUMBER
=ISNUMBER(A2)
Function reference
ISNUMBER in Excel & Google Sheets
ISNUMBER is used in 1 formula pattern in this library. Browse worked examples below, or use the generator to build a custom variation for your specific data.
1 beginnerBuild a custom ISNUMBER formula →
When to use ISNUMBER
- Identify cells in an imported column where amounts or IDs are stored as text, causing SUM or AVERAGE to silently ignore them.
Worked examples (1)
Common errors with ISNUMBER
Dates return TRUE
Dates and times are stored as numbers in Excel, so ISNUMBER returns TRUE for them. Use ISNUMBER combined with NOT(ISDATE) if you need to exclude dates.
Formatted numbers return FALSE
If a number is formatted as text (left-aligned, preceded by an apostrophe), ISNUMBER returns FALSE. Use VALUE() to convert it first.
Frequently asked questions
How do I count all non-numeric cells in a column?
Use =COUNTIF(A2:A100,"*") to count text cells, or =SUMPRODUCT(--NOT(ISNUMBER(A2:A100))) to count all non-numeric values including blanks.
Need a custom variation?
Describe your specific ISNUMBER problem and get a formula written for your exact data.
Open generator with ISNUMBER