Google Sheets ISURL Function: Syntax, Examples & Tips

The ISURL function checks if a given text string is a valid URL, returning TRUE for valid URLs and FALSE otherwise.
Google Sheets
ISURL(value)

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On this page
  1. Parameters
  2. What is ISURL?
  3. A Practical Example
  4. ISURL Formula
  5. Result of the Formula
  6. Why Use ISURL?
  7. Key Takeaways:
  8. Example use case

Parameters

value:
The input that you want to check to determine if it is a valid URL. This can be a text string, a cell reference, or a formula that returns a text string.

What is ISURL?

The ISURL function in Google Sheets is a useful tool that checks whether a given string is a valid URL. This function returns TRUE if the input is a valid URL and FALSE otherwise. It is particularly helpful for data validation, ensuring that any links or web addresses in your spreadsheet are formatted correctly.

In simpler terms, ISURL allows you to verify if a text string is a proper URL, helping maintain the integrity of your data.

A Practical Example

Imagine you are managing a list of websites for a marketing campaign stored in a Google Sheets document:

Website List:

WebsiteIDWebsiteURL
1https://www.example.com
2not-a-url
3http://www.testsite.org

You want to check which entries in your list are valid URLs.

ISURL Formula

To achieve this, you would use the ISURL function as follows:

Google Sheets
=ISURL(B2)

In this formula:

  • B2 is the cell containing the URL you want to check from the Website List.

Result of the Formula

When you apply the ISURL formula to the Website List, the output would look like this:

WebsiteIDWebsiteURLIs Valid URL
1https://www.example.comTRUE
2not-a-urlFALSE
3http://www.testsite.orgTRUE

In this case, the ISURL function correctly identifies that the first and third entries are valid URLs, while the second entry is not.

Why Use ISURL?

ISURL is beneficial because it simplifies the process of validating URLs in your data. It helps prevent errors that can arise from incorrect links, ensuring that your data remains clean and reliable. This function is particularly useful for web-related projects, data entry tasks, and any scenario where URL accuracy is critical.

Key Takeaways:

  • ISURL: A Google Sheets function that checks if a string is a valid URL.
  • Data Validation: Helps maintain the integrity of your data by identifying incorrect URLs.
  • Simplicity: Provides a straightforward way to validate links without complex formulas.
  • Common Use Cases: Ideal for marketing campaigns, web data management, and any situation where URL accuracy is essential.

ISURL is an essential function for anyone working with web data in Google Sheets, providing a simple yet effective way to enhance data quality and reliability.

Happy spreadsheeting!

Example use case

You have a list of website links in Column A. By using the ISURL formula in Column B, you can quickly verify which entries are valid URLs. This helps maintain data integrity and ensures that only functional links are included in your reports.

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