ISREF Function

The Excel ISREF function returns a logical value, either TRUE or FALSE, depending on the validity of the cell range. If its argument "Value" specifies the valid cell reference, then the ISREF function generates True. Otherwise, it retrieves FALSE. For example, you can combine the ISREF function with SUMPRODUCT to verify the certainty of the cell reference before computing the SUMPRODUCT formula.

This function can be merged with other functions, such as the SUMPRODUCT, INDIRECT, IF statement, and LOOKUP functions, to eliminate errors gracefully and resolve the mystery of complex formulas.

Compatibility

The ISREF function is compatible with multiple versions of the MS-Excel

Excel for Microsoft 365
Excel for Microsoft 365 for Mac
Excel for the web
Excel 2024
Excel 2024 for Mac
Excel 2021
Excel 2021 for Mac
Excel 2019
Excel 2016
Excel Web App

Syntax

The syntax of the ISREF function is as follows −

=ISREF(value)

Arguments

You can utilize the following argument of the ISREF function is as follows:

Argument	Description	Required/ Optional
Value	It specifies a cell reference.	Required

Points to Remember

The ISREF function is categorized under the Excel Information function and a part of the IS functions.
If the Value does not contain the valid reference of a cell, then ISREF returns the FALSE.
You can combine this function with the INDIRECT function and indirectly give the cell range of another worksheet before evaluating the formula.

Example 1: How to Execute the ISREF Function in Excel?

Various ISREF expressions are depicted in this example to test the validity of the cell references.

Solution

Step 1 − First,, select the B2 cell and enter the formula =ISREF(A2).

After pressing the Enter tab, the ISREF function will retrieve the TRUE as a result.

Step 2 − Furthermore, enter the formula =ISREF("A1") in the B3 cell.

Here, we have supplied the text "A1" in the Value instead of the cell reference.

Therefore, the ISREF returns the FALSE as a result.

Step 3 − Moreover, enter the formula =ISREF(A3) in the B3 cell and hit the Enter. Here, the A3 cell reference points to error value #DIV/0! that does not matter in this function. The ISREF verify the cell reference is passed as an argument or not.

Step 4 − Afterward, type the formula =ISREF(20) in the B5 cell and hit the Enter tab.

Hence, the ISREF function will retrieve the FALSE as the direct passing of numeric value is not allowable.

Step 5 − Then, double-click on the B6 cell, type the formula =ISREF(NOW()), and hit the Enter tab.

Step 6 − After that, double-click on the cell B7 and write the formula =ISREF(_XX99).

How to Execute ISREF Function in Excel10

And then, press the Enter tab to obtain the result.

How to Execute ISREF Function in Excel11

You can apply conditional formatting to highlight the TRUE value with vibrant colors.

Example 2: Using VLOOKUP Formulas with ISREF Function

Solution

Assume the sample dataset where you will use the VLOOKUP formula along with the ISREF function.

Enter the formula =ISREF(VLOOKUP(A9,A4:C9,3,FALSE)) in the C13 cell.

Using VLOOKUP Formulas with ISREF Function1

Explanation

In this expression (VLOOKUP(A9, A4:C9,3,FALSE), the Quarterly 1 sales of the product id 19 is searched in the third column of the array A4:C9. The result of this expression is a value of 210.
Once you execute the complete expression =ISREF(VLOOKUP(A9,A4:C9,3,FALSE)), the result is FALSE.

Using VLOOKUP Formulas with ISREF Function2

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