How to use the ISBLANK Function (WS)

Description

The Microsoft Excel ISBLANK function can be used to check for blank or null values.

Syntax

The syntax for the ISBLANK function in Microsoft Excel is:

ISBLANK( value )

Parameters or Arguments

value

The value that you want to test. If value is blank, this function will return TRUE. If value is not blank, the function will return FALSE.

Note

• See also the ISEMPTY function (VBA function).

Applies To

• Excel 2016, Excel 2013, Excel 2011 for Mac, Excel 2010, Excel 2007, Excel 2003, Excel XP, Excel 2000

Type of Function

• Worksheet function (WS)

Example (as Worksheet Function)

Let's look at some Excel ISBLANK function examples and explore how to use the ISBLANK function as a worksheet function in Microsoft Excel:

Based on the Excel spreadsheet above, the following ISBLANK examples would return:

=ISBLANK(A1)
Result: FALSE

=ISBLANK(A2)
Result: TRUE

=ISBLANK("Tech on the Net")
Result: FALSE

Frequently Asked Questions

Question:I am trying to get Excel to check different boxes and check if there is text/numbers listed in the cells and then spit out "Complete" if all 5 Boxes have text/Numbers or "Not Complete" if one or more is empty. This is what I have so far and it doesn't work.

=IF(OR(ISBLANK(J2),ISBLANK(M2),ISBLANK(R2),ISBLANK (AA2),ISBLANK (AB2)),"Not Complete","")

Answer:First, you are correct in using the ISBLANK function, however, you have a space between ISBLANK and (AA2), as well as ISBLANK and (AB2). This might seem insignificant, but Excel can be very picky and will return a #NAME? error. So first you need to eliminate those spaces.

Next, you need to change the ELSE condition of your IF function to return "Complete".

You should be able to modify your formula as follows:

=IF(OR(ISBLANK(J2),ISBLANK(M2),ISBLANK(R2),ISBLANK(AA2),ISBLANK(AB2)), "Not Complete", "Complete")

Now if any of the cell J2, M2, R2, AA2, or AB2 are blank, the formula will return "Not Complete". If all 5 cells have a value, the formula will return "Complete".