Buzz
In this article, we introduce you to the CELL function – one of the widely used functions in the information category in Excel.
Description: Retrieves information about the format or content of a cell.
Syntax: CELL(info_type, [reference])
In this context:
- info_type: A text value specifying the type of information to return, is a required parameter. The possible information types are:
+ info_type = address -> returns the cell address.
+ info_type = col -> returns the column number of the cell.
+ info_type = color -> returns the color of the cell.
+ info_type = contents -> returns the content of the cell.
+ info_type = filename -> returns the full path including the file name.
+ info_type = format -> returns the format of the cell.
+ info_type = parentheses -> identifies if the cell uses parentheses or brackets for positive values or all values; returns 0 if not.
+ info_type = prefix -> returns the prefix label of the cell.
+ info_type = protect -> identifies if the cell is locked; returns 1 if locked, otherwise returns 0.
+ info_type = row -> returns the row number of the cell.
+ info_type = type -> returns the data type of the cell.
+ info_type = width -> returns the width of the cell.
- reference: Cell to retrieve corresponding information for, an optional parameter; if omitted, the function returns information for the last cell.
Note:
- In case you change the format of a cell but later apply a different format -> you have to reset that worksheet.
Example:
Identify information for the cells described in the data table below:
- Determine information about the row number of the cell. In the cell where you want to calculate, enter the formula: =CELL('row',C6)
- Press Enter -> the returned value is:
- Similarly, identify the data type of the cell -> enter the formula: =CELL('type',C7) -> press Enter -> the returned value is:
- Determine the content of the cell -> enter the formula: =CELL('contents',C8) -> press Enter -> the returned value is:
- Similarly, determine the format and address of the cell (corresponding to format and type) -> result obtained:
Here is a guide and some specific examples when using the CELL function in Excel.
Wishing you all success!
