Compact mode
IF vs COLUMN vs ISNUMBER
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 typesIFCOLUMN- Lookup & ReferenceCOLUMN belongs to the Lookup & Reference category. Excel functions for searching and referencing data across spreadsheets
ISNUMBER- InformationISNUMBER belongs to the Information category. Excel functions that provide information about cells and data
Operation Type 🔧
Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputsIFCOLUMN- InformationCOLUMN performs Information operations. Functions that focus on retrieving and displaying data in various formats
ISNUMBER
Usage Context Comparison
For whom 👥
Target user groups who would benefit most from using this Excel functionFor all*IF- Administrative StaffIF is designed for Administrative Staff. Excel functions useful for administrative tasks and data management Click to see all.
- Business ManagersIF is designed for Business Managers. Excel functions helpful for business management and decision making Click to see all.
COLUMNISNUMBER
Basic Information Comparison
Known For ⭐
Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel functionIF- Conditional StatementsIF is known for Conditional Statements.
COLUMN- Column Number RetrievalCOLUMN is known for Column Number Retrieval.
ISNUMBER- Number ValidationISNUMBER is known for Number Validation.
History Comparison
Facts Comparison
Interesting Fact 💡
Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel functionIF- Most nested function
COLUMN- Essential for column calculations
ISNUMBER- Used over 1 billion times daily
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionIF- Making simple decisions complicated
COLUMN- The vertical cousin of ROW function
ISNUMBER- The bouncer of Excel functions - strictly checks IDs
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 parametersIF- BooleanIF 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
ISNUMBER- NumberISNUMBER accepts Number as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for numerical calculations
- TextISNUMBER accepts Text as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for text manipulation Click to see all.
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
IF- Microsoft 365IF is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
- Excel OnlineIF is compatible with Excel Online Excel functions optimized for use in the web-based Excel Online platform
ISNUMBER- Microsoft 365ISNUMBER is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
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 properlyIFCOLUMN- ~
ISNUMBERRequired Arguments Type 📊
The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the functionIF- BooleanIF accepts Boolean as input types Excel functions that work with true/false logical inputs for decision-making
- TextIF accepts Text as input types Excel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing
- NumberIF accepts Number as input types Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs
COLUMN- RangeCOLUMN accepts Range as input types Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations
ISNUMBER- NumberISNUMBER accepts Number as input types Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs
- TextISNUMBER accepts Text as input types Excel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing
Evaluation Comparison
Pros ✅
Key advantages and strengths of the Excel functionIF- Simple Logic Implementation
- Versatile
- Flexible
- Easy To UnderstandFunctions with clear and intuitive syntax that are simple to learn
COLUMN- No Arguments NeededExcel functions that work without arguments provide quick results with minimal setup
- Consistent Results
ISNUMBER- Fast ExecutionFunctions that process data quickly and efficiently
- Simple Syntax
- Reliable Results
Cons ❌
Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel functionIF- Nested IFs Can Be ComplexFunctions where multiple IF statements become difficult to manage and understand Click to see all.
- Limited Conditions
- Nested IFs Get Complex
COLUMN- Limited FunctionalityFunctions with restricted capabilities, reducing problem-solving options Click to see all.
- Basic Output
ISNUMBER- Limited To Number CheckingFunctions restricted to verifying if values are numbers without additional capabilities Click to see all.
- Binary Output Only
- No Customization
Ratings Comparison
Alternatives to IF
SUM
Known for Basic Arithmetic Calculations
📊
is easier to use than IF
🛠
is more reliable than IF
⭐
is rated higher than IF
LEFT
Known for Text Extraction
📊
is easier to use than IF
OR
Known for Any Condition Check
📊
is easier to use than IF
⚙
performs better than IF
🛠
is more reliable than IF
COUNT
Known for Counting Numeric Cells
📊
is easier to use than IF
AND
Known for Multiple Condition Check
📊
is easier to use than IF
⚙
performs better than IF
🛠
is more reliable than IF