Check if a Value is a Number

Summary: Prevent Spreadsheet errors in Excel 2003 by ensuring entered values are actually numbers.

Microsoft Excel 2003 may report errors in a spreadsheet if a calculation involves a value expected to be a number, but isn't. To help prevent this from happening, use the =isnumber function:

=isnumber(VALUE)

VALUE is a value, cell, or function result

This function is useful when combined with other functions. For example, assuming the following spreadsheet of quarterly profits (in thousands):


    A                                                   B
1   1st Quarter (in $k)                                 $256.00
2   2nd Quarter (in $k)                                 $113.00
3   3rd Quarter (in $k)                                 John
4   4th Quarter (in $k)                                 $456.00
5   
6   =IF(ISNUMBER(B1),"","1st Quarter Value is Invalid")
7   =IF(ISNUMBER(B2),"","2nd Quarter Value is Invalid")
8   =IF(ISNUMBER(C1),"","3rd Quarter Value is Invalid")
9   =IF(ISNUMBER(B4),"","4th Quarter Value is Invalid")

As you can see, the value for the 3rd quarter is invalid. In fact, cell A8 tells us so with this result:

3rd Quarter Value is Invalid

Add: Del.icio.us | Digg | Furl | My Yahoo!

Last Modified on: August 15, 2008, at 8:51 A.M. EDT

Return to the Microsoft Excel 2003 Functions and Formulas page.

Print this tip.

- Subscribe!

Search the Site: