Summary

ISFORMULA checks whether a referenced cell contains a formula. If the cell holds a formula, the result is TRUE. If it holds a typed number, text value, or blank, the result is FALSE.

This is especially useful in templates where some columns should always stay automatic. It helps you catch manual overwrites without needing to inspect every cell by hand.

Syntax

=ISFORMULA(reference)

The argument should point to a cell you want to test.

Arguments

• reference - [required] A cell reference, formula, or name that refers to a cell.

ISFORMULA vs Other Functions

Using ISFORMULA

This function is mostly about trust. If a workbook is supposed to calculate a value automatically, ISFORMULA lets you verify that the cell is still formula-driven instead of manually typed over.

Microsoft also notes one useful detail here. A cell can return an error and still count as a formula cell. So if a formula produces #DIV/0!, ISFORMULA still returns TRUE. That helps you separate �the formula is missing� from �the formula exists but is failing.�

Example 1 - Check a formula cell

This is the standard audit check.

=ISFORMULA(A1)

Example 2 - Catch a hardcoded value

If the cell was typed manually, the result is FALSE.

=ISFORMULA(B2)

Example 3 - Show AUTO or MANUAL

This makes the check easier to read in a working sheet.

=IF(ISFORMULA(C3),"AUTO","MANUAL")

Example 4 - Keep broken formulas separate from typed values

A broken formula is still a formula.

=ISFORMULA(A1) // Can return TRUE even if A1 shows an error.

Conclusion Recap

• Main job: ISFORMULA checks whether a cell contains a formula.
• Best use: Catch manual overrides in calculated ranges.
• Important nuance: A formula that returns an error still counts as a formula.
• Helpful pair: Use FORMULATEXT if you need to inspect the formula itself.