COUNT function: Description, Usage, Syntax, Examples and Explanation

Syntax of COUNT function

COUNT(value1, [value2], …)

The COUNT function syntax has the following arguments:

• value1    Required. The first item, cell reference, or range within which you want to count numbers.
• value2, …    Optional. Up to 255 additional items, cell references, or ranges within which you want to count numbers.

COUNT formula explanation

• Arguments that are numbers, dates, or a text representation of numbers (for example, a number enclosed in quotation marks, such as “1”) are counted.
• Logical values and text representations of numbers that you type directly into the list of arguments are counted.
• Arguments that are error values or text that cannot be translated into numbers are not counted.
• If an argument is an array or reference, only numbers in that array or reference are counted. Empty cells, logical values, text, or error values in the array or reference are not counted.
• If you want to count logical values, text, or error values, use the COUNTA function.
• If you want to count only numbers that meet certain criteria, use the COUNTIF function or the COUNTIFSfunction.

Example of COUNT function

Steps to follow:

1. Open a new Excel worksheet.

2. Copy data in the following table below and paste it in cell A1

Note: For formulas to show results, select them, press F2 key on your keyboard and then press Enter.

You can adjust the column widths to see all the data, if need be.