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ISTEXT Function (Gnumeric)

Information Beginner Gnumeric

Learn the ISTEXT function in Gnumeric: Returns TRUE if value is text.

Reference checked: Examples have not been run in this spreadsheet application. How we verify guides

The ISTEXT function in Gnumeric is used for this task: Returns TRUE if value is text. Distinguish text from numbers.

This guide explains how to read the formula, reproduce a concrete example, interpret its result and recognize common input mistakes.

Syntax and arguments

The worked formula below shows the argument order used for this example. Consult the linked software-specific function reference for optional parameters and edge cases.

Gnumeric formulas normally use commas (,) between arguments. These examples are written for Gnumeric rather than copied unchanged from LibreOffice Calc.

Worked example

=ISTEXT("hello")

Expected result: TRUE.

Why it works: Distinguish text from numbers.

How to use it in your own spreadsheet

  1. Identify the cells or inputs that correspond to the sample values above.
  2. Enter the formula in an empty cell, changing the references or literal values to match your sheet.
  3. Compare the output with a manual check on a small known example.
  4. Extend the formula to a larger dataset only after you understand the result.

Common problems and practical checks

  • Be explicit about the difference between TRUE/FALSE, zero, blank cells and text values.
  • Consider how errors are handled instead of automatically suppressing them.
  • A pasted formula may produce an error when it uses the other program’s argument separator or unsupported options.

ISNUMBER IFERROR ABS ROUND ROUNDUP.

Documentation and verification

  • Gnumeric official function catalog
  • The function name was checked against the official reference. A comparable example passed in LibreOffice Calc 25.2, but the example was not executed in this application. Confirm on your installed version before depending on it.