
π This article includes 1 downloadable practice file β
In this article
TYPE returns 1 number, 2 text, 4 logical, 16 error or 64 array.
Syntax
=TYPE(value)
| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
value |
Anything. |
Examples
Example 1
=TYPE(B2)
Tells a text β100β (2) from a real 100 (1).
TYPE in practice
Where you will use it
- Check what a cell holds in validation
- Debug mixed columns
- Branch by data type
Worked example
| Value | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 42 | =TYPE(A2) | 1 |
| Pune | =TYPE(A3) | 2 |
| TRUE | =TYPE(A4) | 4 |
Results calculated in Excel.
Mistakes people make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Formulas | TYPE looks at the result, not the formula |
| Remembering codes | 1 number, 2 text, 4 logical, 16 error, 64 array |
Related functions
ISTEXT Β· ERROR.TYPE
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π Practice files for this article
- πPractice workbook: Information (ISβ¦) functions15 tasks on realistic sales data β type your formula, the Check column turns green when it is right. Answers sheet included.β¬ XLSX Β· 34 KB
Free to use for learning. Files with macros (.bas) are plain text β import them with Alt+F11 β File β Import File, and always test on a copy.
Atul (AJ) builds office-automation and local-first AI tools as Atulya AI, and works with Excel, SAP and Oracle EPM every day. He writes about the shortcuts, macros and automations that actually save time β plus the occasional wacky fact. Videos on YouTube: Lazy Automator AI (@LazyAutomatorAI).
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This page is a quick function reference. Use it for syntax, then practise the function in a broader workflow.
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