What does ISPICKVAL do in Salesforce?

It returns TRUE when a picklist field has a specific value, for example ISPICKVAL(StageName, "Closed Won"). It is the standard way to check picklists in formulas and validation rules.

Why can't I use = with a picklist field?

Salesforce rejects it with "Field Industry is a picklist field. Picklist fields are only supported in certain functions." Use ISPICKVAL, or convert the value with TEXT: TEXT(Industry) = "Banking".

How do I check if a picklist is blank?

Use ISPICKVAL(Industry, "") or ISBLANK(TEXT(Industry)). ISBLANK directly on the picklist fails Check Syntax.

Can the second argument of ISPICKVAL be a field?

No. It must be fixed text in quotes; a field gives "Expected Text Literal, received Text". To compare with a field, use TEXT(Industry) = My_Field__c.

Can I use ISPICKVAL with a multi-select picklist?

No. Use the INCLUDES function for multi-select picklists, for example INCLUDES(Interests__c, "Golf").

ISPICKVAL() in Salesforce: Syntax, Examples, Use Cases

The ISPICKVAL() function in Salesforce checks whether a picklist field has a specific value and returns TRUE or FALSE: ISPICKVAL(StageName, "Closed Won"). You need it because picklist fields can’t be compared with = in formulas and validation rules; Salesforce rejects Industry = "Banking" with a picklist error.

I tested the common patterns and mistakes in a Salesforce Developer Edition org with Check Syntax: comparing a picklist with =, checking for a blank picklist, and passing a field as the second argument. Below are the results, the syntax, and ready-to-use validation rules.

This Tutorial Covers: