ISFORMULA Function in LibreOffice Calc — Tested Examples
An explanation of LibreOffice Calc ISFORMULA, including tested formulas, examples, expected results and common mistakes.
Tested: Examples checked in LibreOffice Calc 25.2.3.2. What this means
Returns TRUE if the cell is a formula cell. A useful audit is to compare a calculated cell, such as Q5 containing =2+3, with a typed value such as B3. Only the first is a formula.
Syntax and arguments
=ISFORMULA(Reference)
LibreOffice Calc formulas generally separate arguments with semicolons (;).
| Argument | Explanation |
|---|---|
Reference |
The cell to be tested. |
Worked examples
Reproduce these source cells: Q5 contains the formula =2+3; B3 contains the typed value 30.
Example 1: Check whether a referenced cell contains a formula
=ISFORMULA(Q5)
Expected result: TRUE. This value was returned in the LibreOffice Calc 25.2 test.
Example 2: Check a non-formula value
=ISFORMULA(B3)
Expected result: FALSE. This value was returned in the LibreOffice Calc 25.2 test.
How to interpret the result
A useful audit is to compare a calculated cell, such as Q5 containing =2+3, with a typed value such as B3. Only the first is a formula.
Mistakes and troubleshooting
- Check inputs and assumptions: Pasting a calculated result as a value makes ISFORMULA return FALSE, even if the number looks unchanged.
- Check argument order and format: Strings go in quotes, cell references do not. Functions that return arrays may require special entry.
- Verify your own data: Reproduce the example first. If your formula returns an error, inspect the referenced cells and individual argument values.
Related functions
Tested version and primary reference
2 example(s) on this page passed real calculations in LibreOffice Calc 25.2.3.2. This is not a claim about every possible input or other spreadsheet applications.