Author: Oscar Cronquist Article last updated on June 20, 2018

Use TYPE to find out what type of data is returned by a function or formula.

Formula in cell C3:

=TYPE(B3)

Excel Function Syntax

TYPE(value)

Arguments

value Required. Any value.
If value is Type function returns
Number 1
Text 2
Logical value 4
Error value 16
Array 64

Comments

You can't use the TYPE function to determine the type of value in a specific cell using a cell reference, the TYPE function will then return the type of the formula's returning value.

Even if the formula returns an array the TYPE function returns only the type of the value displayed in that cell.

Example, the picture above demonstrates an array entered in cell range B3:B4:

={1,"A"}

The TYPE function returns 1 and 2 and not 64.

Excel Function Reference

This extensive function reference list provides detailed information including syntax, arguments, return values, and examples for many of the functions used in Excel formulas. Click on headers to sort table.