Excel CELL and INFO functions

Examples in these videos show how to use the Excel information functions, CELL and INFO. Also see the ADDRESS Function examples.

Introduction

The CELL function can return information about cell formatting, contents and location.

The INFO function can show details such as Excel version, recalculation mode and number of worksheets in all open workbooks.

To return a cell address as text, based on a row and column number, go to the ADDRESS Function page.

Video: Use the CELL Function

Use the CELL function in Excel to get details about the cell format, location and contents. The CELL function can show details such as column width, worksheet name and number format.

Watch this short videos to see examples for using the CELL function.

CELL Syntax

The CELL function has the following syntax:

• CELL(info_type,reference)
  • info_type is one of the following values
    • address...Reference of first cell in reference, as text.
    • col...Column # of cell in reference.
    • color...1 = color for negative values; otherwise 0 (zero).
    • contents...Value of upper-left cell in reference
    • coord...Absolute reference of first cell in reference
    • filename...Filename and full path
    • format...Cell number format
    • parentheses...1 = parentheses for positive or all values; otherwise 0.
    • prefix ..."label prefix" of cell (alignment)
    • protect...0 = not locked, 1 = locked.
    • row...Row # of cell
    • type...type of data in cell (empty, text, other)
    • width...Column width of cell

Video: Use the INFO Function

Use the INFO function in Excel to get details about the current operating environment. The INFO function can show details such as Excel version, recalculation mode and number of worksheets in all open workbooks.

Watch this short videos to see examples for using the INFO function.

INFO Syntax

The INFO function has the following syntax:

• INFO(type_text)
  • type_text is one of the following items, that specifies what information you want.
  • "directory" Path of current directory
  • "numfile" Number of active worksheets in open workbooks.
  • "origin" Absolute cell reference of top left visible
  • "osversion" Current operating system version, as text.
  • "recalc" Current recalculation mode; "Automatic" or "Manual".
  • "release" Microsoft Excel version, as text.
  • "system" Name of the operating environment: "pcdos" or "mac"

Get the Sample Files

1. Get the CELL function sample file. The file is zipped, and is in xlsx file format
2. Get the INFO function sample file. The file is zipped, and is in xlsx file format

Function Tutorials

ADDRESS Function

VLOOKUP Function

INDEX / MATCH Functions

COUNT / COUNTIF

INDIRECT Function