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In this article
ISREF returns TRUE when its argument is a reference. With INDIRECT it checks whether a sheet name typed by a user exists.
Syntax
=ISREF(value)| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
value |
Usually INDIRECT(…). |
Examples
Example 1
=ISREF(INDIRECT("'"&A2&"'!A1"))TRUE if a sheet named in A2 exists.
ISREF in practice
Where you will use it
- Check a name or INDIRECT result is a valid reference
- Safer dynamic formulas
- Validation
Worked example
| Test | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|
| H1 | =ISREF(INDIRECT(A2)) | TRUE |
| NoSuchName | =ISREF(INDIRECT(A3)) | FALSE |
| Sheet9!A1 | =ISREF(INDIRECT(A4)) | FALSE |
Results calculated in Excel.
Mistakes people make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Text vs reference | ISREF("A1") is FALSE; wrap with INDIRECT |
| Deleted sheets | Return FALSE |
Related functions
INDIRECT · SHEET
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