# How to find the first blank cell in a column in Excel

Look for the first TRUE in a blank test: `=XLOOKUP(TRUE,B2:B9="",A2:A9,"Full")` returns the slot next to the first empty cell.

**Excel:** `=XLOOKUP(TRUE,B2:B9="",A2:A9,"Full")` (Excel 2021, 2024 and Microsoft 365)

**Google Sheets:** the same formula works.

## Example

Sample data (row 1 is the header):

| A | B | C | D |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Slot | Volunteer |  | First open slot |
| Mon 8 AM | Maya |  |  |
| Mon 10 AM | Jon |  |  |
| Mon 1 PM | Ava |  |  |
| Tue 8 AM |  |  |  |
| Tue 10 AM | Eli |  |  |
| Tue 1 PM |  |  |  |
| Wed 8 AM |  |  |  |
| Wed 10 AM | Zoe |  |  |

Formula in E1: `=XLOOKUP(TRUE,B2:B9="",A2:A9,"Full")`

Result: Tue 8 AM

## How it works

`B2:B9=""` is TRUE for every empty volunteer cell. XLOOKUP returns the slot beside the first TRUE, Tue 8 AM. When all slots are filled, it shows the 4th argument, "Full".

## Other ways

- `=INDEX(A2:A9,MATCH(TRUE,INDEX(B2:B9="",0),0))`: Every Excel version, without Ctrl+Shift+Enter.
- `=XMATCH(TRUE,B2:B9="")+ROW(B2)-1`: Returns the sheet row of the first blank cell instead. (The row number, 5.)

## Common mistakes

- A formula returning "" counts as blank in this test; a cell containing a space doesn't.
- ISBLANK is stricter: it is FALSE for a formula that returns "". Use `=""` unless you need that.

## Questions

**How do I find the first blank row in a column with no end?**

Use a generous range: `=XMATCH(TRUE,B2:B1000="")+1` gives the first empty row below the header.

**How do I count the open slots?**

Use `=COUNTBLANK(B2:B9)`.

Every formula and result on this page was checked by running it in the Spreadsheet Practice formula engine on 2026-10-30.

Source: https://spreadsheetpractice.com/formulas/first-blank-cell-in-column