How to Use the ISNA Function in WPS on Windows

Use ISNA through 4 how-to topics, including entering the function, reviewing syntax prompts, working with cross-sheet references, and adding it to nested formulas.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Enter the ISNA function

Entry point: Formulas tab → Formula bar

1. Open WPS Spreadsheets and select the cell where you want to show the result.
2. Enter the equals sign = in the cell or formula bar.
3. Type ISNA(.
4. Enter the value or cell reference to test, close the parenthesis, and press Enter.

Success Criteria

• On-screen result: The current cell shows TRUE or FALSE.
• What you can do next: You can continue editing, copy the formula, or fill it down.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: If you do not start with =, the content is treated as plain text.
• Environment note: When the referenced value changes, the result updates automatically.

2. Review syntax prompts and fill in parameters

Entry point: Formulas tab → Formula bar

1. Select the target cell.
2. Enter =ISNA(.
3. Review the syntax prompt and confirm that the parameter format is value.
4. Enter a cell reference, constant, or formula result as prompted.
5. Press Enter to complete the calculation.

Success Criteria

• On-screen result: A function syntax prompt appears while you type.
• What you can do next: You can adjust the parameter and confirm the result again.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: An unclosed parenthesis or incorrect parameter structure can cause a formula error.
• Environment note: If the formula is long, it is easier to edit it in the formula bar.

3. Use ISNA with a cross-sheet reference

Entry point: Formulas tab → Formula bar

1. Select the result cell.
2. Enter =ISNA(.
3. Switch to another worksheet and select the cell you want to test.
4. Confirm that the reference is inserted into the formula.
5. Type the closing parenthesis and press Enter.

Success Criteria

• On-screen result: The formula includes a cross-sheet reference.
• What you can do next: You can return to the current sheet and review the TRUE or FALSE result.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: If you switch worksheets and do not finish the closing parenthesis, the formula cannot be submitted correctly.
• Environment note: Changes in the referenced worksheet affect the current result.

4. Use ISNA in a nested formula

Entry point: Formulas tab → Formula bar

1. Select the target cell.
2. Enter a formula framework that includes IF or another conditional function.
3. In the condition part, enter ISNA(reference or formula).
4. Set the return value for the TRUE and FALSE outcomes.
5. Press Enter to review the final result.

Success Criteria

• On-screen result: The cell returns the value you set for the condition instead of showing the error directly.
• What you can do next: You can copy the formula to other cells for batch use.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: In a longer nested formula, parentheses can become mismatched.
• Environment note: It helps to test the ISNA part first before combining it with a more complex formula.