Excel Data Validation Istext Function

Figure 1. Excel Data Validation Istext Function.

If we want to permit text entries only in the cells of our Excel sheet, we are going to utilize data validation with a custom formula derived from the ISTEXT function

Formula Syntax

=ISTEXT(A1)

This formula is useful for restricting users from populating cells with numbers, dates, etc.

How to use the Excel Data Validation Istext Function.

The ISTEXT formula will check if the value entered is a text string. If the condition is met, it return a TRUE result, and if the condition is not met, a FALSE result.

We can get this done with 3 simple steps;

1. Arrange the data available for validation within labeled columns of our worksheet.

See example illustrated below;

Figure 2. Excel Data Validation Istext Function.

Our purpose here is to permit ratings to be entered in text format only.

Be sure to provide empty cells for Excel to generate the results.

2. In our worksheet example above, we will enter the following ISTEXT formula into cell C2;

=ISTEXT(B2)

Figure 3. Excel Data Validation Istext Function.

Since the data entry in cell B2 of our worksheet example, the Excel ISTEXT formula returned a TRUE result in cell C2.

3. Copy a modified version of the ISTEXT formula in cell C2, down the other cells in the RESULT column for the other results to be generated.

Figure 4. Excel Data Validation Istext Function.

Whenever a user adds or changes a cell value, data validation rules are triggered.

This means that, all inputted text will pass validation, however, formulas and numbers will not pass validation.

Figure 5. Final Result.

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