How to Use the ISBLANK Function for Multiple Cells in Excel – 4 Methods

ISBLANK checks whether a cell is empty or has a value.

 Overview Image

This is the sample dataset.
Sample dataset


Method 1 – Applying the ISBLANK Function to Check Multiple Blank Cells

Use the ISBLANK function to find all blank cells in a dataset.

Steps:

  • Enter the following formula in G5.
=ISBLANK(B5:E13)

Applying Excel ISBLANK Function for Multiple Blanks

  •  Press ENTER.
  • This is the output.

Result of Excel ISBLANK function for all Blanks in a Range of Multiple Cells

 Formula Breakdown

  • ISBLANK(B5:E13) looks for blank values in B5:C13.
  • The result is a new dataset consisting of the same number of rows and columns.

Read More: How to Use SUMIF and ISBLANK to Sum for Blank Cells in Excel


Method 2 – Merging the ISBLANK, MATCH, and INDEX Functions to Find the First Non-Blank Value in an Array

Combine the ISBLANK, MATCH and INDEX .

You want to find the first value in C10:C13.

Steps:

  • Enter the following formula in G8.
=INDEX(C10:C13,MATCH(FALSE,ISBLANK(C10:C13),0))

Merging of ISBLANK, MATCH, and INDEX Functions to Find First Value in an Array

  • Press ENTER to see the result.

Result of Merging ISBLANK, MATCH, and INDEX Functions

 Formula Breakdown

  • ISBLANK(C10:C13) returns an array (4 by 1) of 4 cells containing TRUE and FALSE.
  • MATCH(FALSE,ISBLANK(C10:C13),0) returns 3: FALSE was found in the third row.
  • INDEX(C10:C13,MATCH(FALSE,ISBLANK(C10:C13),0)) looks for the value in C10:C13 and returns the value of C12 because the third entity of C10:C13 is C12.

Method 3 – Combining the ISBLANK and the IF Functions to Find the Current Status

In the following example, check if any course is still available for registration using the  ISBLANK and IF functions. Sample datasetSteps:

  • Enter the formula in E5.
=IF(ISBLANK(D5),"Open","Closed")

Combining ISBLANK and IF Functions for Multiple Cells

  • Press ENTER and see the value in E5.

 Initial Result of Combining ISBLANK and IF Functions

  • A Plus sign appears at the lower corner of the cell.
  • Drag it down to AutoFill the rest of the cells.

Combined ISBLANK and IF Functions Result

Formula Breakdown

  • ISBLANK(D5) looks for the value in D5 and returns TRUE.
  • IF(ISBLANK(D5),”Open”,”Closed”) returns ‘‘Open’’ because the argument of IF is TRUE.


Method 4 – Nesting the ISBLANK, NOT, CONCATENATE, and IF Functions to Join Text with Blank Cells in Excel

Use the ISBLANK and the CONCATENATE functions to join text.

This is the sample dataset.

sample dataset

Steps:

  • Enter the formula in D5.
=IF(NOT(ISBLANK(C5)),CONCATENATE(B5," ",C5),B5)

 Nesting ISBLANK,NOT,CONCATENATE and IF Functions

  • Press ENTER.
  • This is the output.

Initial Result of Nesting ISBLANK,NOT,CONCATENATE and IF Functions for Multiple Cells.

  • Drag down the Fill Handle to see the result in the rest of the cells.

Final Result of nesting Excel ISBLANK with Other Functions for Multiple Cells

 Formula Breakdown

  • ISBLANK(C5) gives the value FALSE.
  • NOT(ISBLANK(C5)) converts the value of ISBLANK into TRUE.
  • CONCATENATE(B5,” “,C5) appends Visha and Long with a space.
  • IF(NOT(ISBLANK(C5)),CONCATENATE(B5,” “,C5),B5) the argument of IF function is TRUE and it concatenates B5 and C5 with a space between them.

Download Practice Workbook

Download the following workbook to practice.


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Junaed-Ar-Rahman
Junaed-Ar-Rahman

Md Junaed-Ar-Rahman, a Biomedical Engineering graduate from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, has contributed to the ExcelDemy project for one year. As a technical content developer, he has authored 15+ unique articles and actively addressed user problems. He participated in 2 specialized training programs on VBA and Chart & Dashboard design in Excel. His passion lies in solving problems uniquely and exploring new functions and formulas. Eager for future exploration, he aims to gain proficiency in applications... Read Full Bio

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