An empty cell
| A | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Name |
| 2 |
Formula: C2: =ISBLANK(A2)
Result: TRUE
A2 has nothing in it, so the test is TRUE.
Google Sheets function
ISBLANK in Google Sheets
ISBLANK is FALSE for a cell whose formula returns an empty string, although the cell looks empty.
Syntax (same in Google Sheets)
ISBLANK(value)Testing A2="" treats both a truly empty cell and an empty-string result as blank.
For a fuller explanation of the arguments and common errors, see the ISBLANK Excel guide.
Worked examples in Google Sheets
A formula that returns empty text
| A | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cell |
| 2 | ="" |
Formula: C2: =ISBLANK(A2)
Result: FALSE
A2 looks empty but contains a formula, so ISBLANK answers FALSE.
Count missing answers
| A | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Answer |
| 2 | Yes |
| 3 | |
| 4 | No |
| 5 |
Formula: C2: =SUMPRODUCT(--ISBLANK(A2:A5))
Result: 2
ISBLANK checks each cell and the double minus turns TRUE into 1, so two blanks are counted.
Try it
A tiny spreadsheet with example data. Edit the formula or any number and see the result.
Formula in F2: =ISBLANK(C6)
| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Student | Score | Extra credit | Attempts | Result | |
| 2 | Ann | 92 | Yes | 2 | TRUE | |
| 3 | Bob | 74 | No | 0 | ||
| 4 | Cy | 58 | Yes | 3 | ||
| 5 | Dee | 81 | No | 1 | ||
| 6 | Eli | 66 | 2 |
Result in F2: TRUE
Frequently asked questions
- Why does ISBLANK say FALSE for a cell that looks empty in Google Sheets?
- The cell probably holds a formula that returns empty text, or a stray space. Compare with "" for formula-returned empty text; use LEN or TRIM to catch spaces.
Google Sheets is used here only as a descriptive product name. FormulaCamp is not affiliated with Google.