The COUNTA function is an inbuild statistical excel function that counts the number of non-blank cells (not empty) in a cell range or the cell reference. For example, cells A1 and A3 contain values but, cell A2 is empty. The formula “=COUNTA(A1,A2,A3)” returns 2. Show
The COUNTA function can count cells containing several types of data values. This includes text, numbers, Boolean values, date/time values, error values, and empty text strings (“”). It returns a numeric value. Table of contentsYou are free to use this image on your website, templates, etc., Please provide us with an attribution linkHow to Provide Attribution?Article Link to be Hyperlinked The Syntax of the COUNTA FunctionThe syntax of the function is given as follows: The function accepts the following arguments:
The first argument is mandatory, while the second is optional. The argument can be a range, a cell, a value, an array of values, or a reference to cell rangesReference To Cell RangesCell reference in excel is referring the other cells to a cell to use its values or properties. For instance, if we have data in cell A2 and want to use that in cell A1, use =A2 in cell A1, and this will copy the A2 value in A1.read more. Note: A maximum of 255 arguments can be entered in MS Excel 2007 and the subsequent versions. The earlier versions of Excel can handle 30 arguments only. How to Count Non-Blank Cells using COUNTA?The COUNTA function is used when there is a need to count the number of cells in single or multiple non-blank ranges. The cell range can also be non-adjacent. For example, for counting cells in the range B1:B50, the formula is “=COUNTA (B1:B50).” The function also counts the number of value arguments provided. The value argument is a parameter that is neither a cell nor a range of cells. The COUNTA function is used to count the following categories of data:
You can download this COUNTA Function Excel Template here – Example #1 – Single RangeThe data is given in the succeeding image. We want to determine the number of non-blank cells in the range A2:A7.
Example #2 – Multiple RangesThe data is given in the succeeding image. We want to determine the number of non-blank cells in two cell ranges A2:A7 and B2:B4. We use the following formula. “=COUNTA(A2:A7,B2:B4)” The COUNTA function counts the number of data cells from A2 to A7 and B2 to B4. It returns 7 because the cells A5 and B3 are blank. Hence, all values are counted except the blank cell values. Example #3 – Multiple Columns RangeThe grades in Maths, English, and Computer of 5 students are shown in the succeeding image. For each subject, we want to count the number of students who have been allotted a grade. We use the following formulae. “=COUNTA(B2:B6)” The COUNTA function counts the number of grades in Maths from B2 to B6, in English from C2 to C6, and in Computer from D2 to D6. It returns the values 3, 2, and 3 respectively. Example #4 – Value Arguments With RangeLet us supply direct values and a range to the COUNTA function. Working on the previous example, let us assume that the missing students “Neha” and “Rahul” also appeared for the Maths test. We use the following formula. “=COUNTA(B2:B6,“Neha”,”Rahul”)” The COUNTA function counts the number of non-empty cells in the range B2:B6. To this output, it adds “2” due to the two additional value arguments–“Neha” and “Rahul.” Hence, the total number of students who appeared for the Maths test is 5. Example #5 – Multiple Value ArgumentsLet us supply direct values to the COUNTA function. We want to find the number of non-blank values within a set of direct values. We use the following formula. “=COUNTA(1,2,“”,text,TRUE)” The COUNTA function returns the number of non-blank values from the total direct values. Hence, it returns 5. Example #6 – Contiguous Rectangle RangeWe want to find the number of non-blank cells in the contiguous rectangle A2 to B6, shown in the succeeding image. In the formula, we specify the entire range beginning from the upper-left cell to the lower-right cell. “=COUNTA(A2:B6)” The COUNTA function counts the number of cells containing data in the range A2:B6. It returns 7 because cells A5, B3, and B5 are blank. Hence, all values are counted except those in the blank cells. The Characteristics of COUNTA FunctionThe features of the function are listed as follows:
Note: To count the cells that meet certain conditions, the COUNTIFCOUNTIFThe COUNTIF function in Excel counts the number of cells within a range based on pre-defined criteria. It is used to count cells that include dates, numbers, or text. For example, COUNTIF(A1:A10,”Trump”) will count the number of cells within the range A1:A10 that contain the text “Trump” read more or COUNTIFSCOUNTIFSThe COUNTIFS excel function counts the values of the supplied range based on one or multiple criteria (conditions). The supplied range can be single or multiple and adjacent or non-adjacent. Being a statistical function of Excel, the COUNTIFS supports the usage of comparison operators and wildcard characters. read more functions are used. Frequently Asked QuestionsDefine the COUNTA function in Excel. The COUNTA function counts the non-empty cells in a range or list of items. In case multiple ranges are supplied to the function, it is not necessary that every range is of the same size. What is the purpose of using the COUNTA function in Excel? The objective of the COUNTA function is to provide the exact number of cells containing data. The function is used when a quick count of the listed items is required. For example, the accountant uses the COUNTA function while reviewing the inventory numbers. What is the difference between the COUNTA and the COUNT functions of Excel? The differences between the two functions are listed as follows: Key Takeaways
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