Compact mode
ISBLANK vs COLUMN vs NOW
Table of content
Basic Classification Comparison
Function Category 📊
Primary classification of the Excel function based on its main purpose and usage domain, helps users quickly identify function typesISBLANK- InformationISBLANK belongs to the Information category. Excel functions that provide information about cells and data
COLUMN- Lookup & ReferenceCOLUMN belongs to the Lookup & Reference category. Excel functions for searching and referencing data across spreadsheets
NOWOperation Type 🔧
Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputsISBLANKCOLUMN- InformationCOLUMN performs Information operations. Functions that focus on retrieving and displaying data in various formats
NOW- InformationNOW performs Information operations. Functions that focus on retrieving and displaying data in various formats
Usage Context Comparison
For whom 👥
Target user groups who would benefit most from using this Excel functionISBLANK- Data AnalystsISBLANK is designed for Data Analysts. Excel functions specifically designed for data analysis and interpretation Click to see all.
- Business ManagersISBLANK is designed for Business Managers. Excel functions helpful for business management and decision making Click to see all.
COLUMN- Data AnalystsCOLUMN is designed for Data Analysts. Excel functions specifically designed for data analysis and interpretation Click to see all.
- ProgrammersCOLUMN is designed for Programmers. Excel functions useful for programming and automation tasks Click to see all.
NOW
Basic Information Comparison
Known For ⭐
Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel functionISBLANK- Empty Cell DetectionISBLANK is known for Empty Cell Detection.
COLUMN- Column Number RetrievalCOLUMN is known for Column Number Retrieval.
NOW- Current Date And Time RetrievalNOW is known for Current Date And Time Retrieval.
History Comparison
Facts Comparison
Interesting Fact 💡
Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel functionISBLANK- Originally designed to detect truly empty cells
COLUMN- Essential for column calculations
NOW- Updates approximately 86400 times per day
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionISBLANK- Sometimes mistakes spaces for emptiness
COLUMN- The vertical cousin of ROW function
NOW- The function that never lets you forget you're late
Usage Information Comparison
Formula Complexity Level 📖
Indicates the difficulty level and complexity of using the Excel function effectivelyFor all*
Technical Details Comparison
Input Data Type 📝
Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parametersISBLANK- BooleanISBLANK accepts Boolean as input data. Excel functions that work with TRUE/FALSE logical values
COLUMN- RangeCOLUMN accepts Range as input data. Excel functions that operate on cell ranges and data sets
NOW- DateNOW accepts Date as input data. Excel functions for working with dates and time values
Version Compatibility 💻
Indicates which Excel versions and platforms the function is compatible with < including Office 365< Excel 2019< 2016< etc.For all*- Excel 2019Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2019 version
- Excel 2016Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2016 version
- Excel 2013Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2013 version
Operating System 💾
Specifies the operating systems where the function can be used < including Windows< macOS< and web platformsFor all*- WindowsExcel functions optimized for Windows operating system
- MacOSExcel functions optimized for MacOS users
- Web ExcelExcel functions available in web-based versions
Required Arguments Count 🔢
Number of mandatory arguments needed for the function to work properlyISBLANKCOLUMN- ~
NOW- ~
Required Arguments Type 📊
The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the functionISBLANK- RangeISBLANK accepts Range as input types Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations
COLUMN- RangeCOLUMN accepts Range as input types Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations
NOW- DateNOW accepts Date as input types Excel functions specialized in processing date and time calculations
Evaluation Comparison
Pros ✅
Key advantages and strengths of the Excel functionISBLANK- Easy To Use
- Reliable For Data Validation
- Simple Syntax
COLUMN- No Arguments NeededExcel functions that work without arguments provide quick results with minimal setup
- Consistent Results
NOW- No Arguments NeededExcel functions that work without arguments provide quick results with minimal setup
- Updates Automatically
Cons ❌
Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel functionISBLANK- Limited To Cell Emptiness Only
- Cannot Detect Whitespace
COLUMN- Limited FunctionalityFunctions with restricted capabilities, reducing problem-solving options Click to see all.
- Basic Output
NOW- Updates With Every Calculation
- Can Slow Spreadsheets
Ratings Comparison
Alternatives to ISBLANK
FORMULATEXT
Known for Formula Inspection
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
ISNUMBER
Known for Number Validation
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
COUNTBLANK
Known for Empty Cell Counter
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
📈
is more versatile than COLUMN
⭐
is rated higher than COLUMN
MONTH
Known for Month Extraction
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
COUNT
Known for Counting Numeric Cells
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
📈
is more versatile than COLUMN
⭐
is rated higher than COLUMN
TRANSPOSE
Known for Converting Row Data To Columns
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
📈
is more versatile than COLUMN
⭐
is rated higher than COLUMN
DAY
Known for Day Extraction
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
SUM
Known for Basic Arithmetic Calculations
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
📈
is more versatile than COLUMN
⭐
is rated higher than COLUMN
COUNTA
Known for Count Non-Empty Cells
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
📈
is more versatile than COLUMN
⭐
is rated higher than COLUMN