CELL Function in Excel

What is the CELL Function? 

The CELL function in Excel is a powerful yet underutilized tool that extracts metadata about a cell’s formatting, location, and content. This function is particularly useful for auditing workbooks, creating dynamic reports, and improving spreadsheet organization

The CELL function retrieves specific details about a cell, such as its file path, formatting, or data type. 

Cell syntax in excel

Syntax: 

=CELL(info_type, [reference]) 

info_type – The type of information you want (e.g., "filename", "address", "color"). 

1. Track File Location & Last Updates (For Version Control) 

Extract the full file path and sheet name to keep track of document versions

 =CELL("filename", A1) 

 Output: 

C:\Reports\[Sales_Data.xlsx]Sheet1 

2. Detect Cell Formatting (For Clean Data Structuring) 

Check if a cell contains numbers, text, or dates to ensure consistency—critical for SEO data hygiene. 

 =CELL("format", B2) 

Returns codes like "G" (General), "D1" (Date), or "C2" (Currency). 

 

3. Find Cell Address (For Dynamic References) 

Get the exact cell reference, useful in dynamic dashboards and automated reports. 

 =CELL("address", C5) 

 Output: $C$5 

 

cell function 

4. Check for Hidden or Locked Cells (For Security Audits) 
 

=CELL("protect", D10) 

 Returns 1 (locked) or 0 (unlocked). 

 

5. Detect Cell Color (For Conditional Formatting Insights) 

Find if a cell has color formatting, useful for visual data analysis. 

cell function

=CELL("color", E3) 

 Returns 1 if formatted with color, 0 otherwise. 

Auto Update Timestamps: 

  =IF(CELL("type", A1)="v", NOW(), "")