Date Function Returning #INVALID COLUMN VALUE - even in clean new sheets

Hi all. I’m running into an issue that I can’t seem to resolve, even after a lot of testing. Hoping someone here might be able to help.

Basically, any formula I use that involves a date function, like ISDATE() or TODAY(), is returning #INVALID COLUMN VALUE — even in completely new, empty sheets.

Here’s what I’ve tested so far:

Created a new sheet with a column set to Date type
Used the calendar picker to select a valid date (not typed or pasted)
Created a second column set to Text/Number
Entered this formula in the second column:
=ISDATE([Launch date MMDDYY]@row )
Still getting #INVALID COLUMN VALUE
Also tried basic =TODAY() and got the same error
Non-date formulas like =1 + 1 work completely fine
Tested across Chrome and Firefox — same issue
Also tried creating an entirely new Date column just called “Clean Date” — still no luck

It seems like any function that references or returns a date is failing, even in the simplest setups. I don’t believe it’s related to the 100,000 cell reference limit since these are standalone sheets with just a few rows.

Is anyone else experiencing this? Could it be a locale issue, account-level setting, or something I’ve overlooked?

Really appreciate any guidance!

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heyjay

https://help.smartsheet.com/function/isdate?frame=0&nav=1

Usage notes
This function is used inside of another function (e.g., IF, COUNTIF, or SUMIF), if used alone it returns #INVALID COLUMN VALUE.

You can change the column with formula to a check box field. True will check the box, otherwise unchecked.

Michelle Choate 2

Hello @FlashAfro!!

As @heyjay said above, if you read the documentation he linked regarding this formula, it tells you that this function is used to be inside of another function (e.g., IF, COUNTIF, or SUMIF, etc.). Otherwise, if you use it alone it returns #INVALID COLUMN VALUE.

So if your column was a checkbox for example, you could write the formula =IF(ISDATE([Launch DateMMDD]@row), 1, 0) and that would return a checkmark if it is a date. If it is not a date, the checkbox would stay empty.

You really could create any formula. If you want it to be text, you could use =IF(ISDATE([Launch DateMMDD]@row ), "Yes", "No").

Does this make sense? Happy to talk it through if you want 😊 Have a great day!!

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