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Formulas > =COUNTIF()

How To Use COUNTIF() Function in Google Sheets

Description

Returns a conditional count across a range.

Common questions about the COUNTIF formula:
- How do you structure a COUNTIF formula? type the formula and then enter the range, then the criteria. What to count first, then how to count it second.
- What can the COUNTIF formula be used for? To add up the amount of cells that pass a certain criteria of your choosing.
- What are the arguments for a COUNTIF formula? Range and Criteria.

How can the COUNTIF formula be used appropriately:
The COUNTIF formula should be used to count the frequency of a specified value in a range of cells. The formula requires two arguments, the range and the criteria, and looks like this: =COUNTIF(range, criteria).

How can the COUNTIF formula be commonly mistyped:
The most common mistake when typing the COUNTIF formula is to forget the equals sign at the beginning. The formula should start with an equals sign (=). And it can be misspelled as: COUNTI, or CONTIF, or CNTIF, or COUNT, or COUNTF.

What are some common ways the COUNTIF formula is used inappropriately:
The COUNTIF formula can be used inappropriately by using criteria that is not related to the data in the range, or by using criteria that searches for multiple conditions in a single cell. You might also be trying to count the cells based on a different set of cells.

What are some common pitfalls when using the COUNTIF formula:
It is easy to forget to use the correct range when creating a COUNTIF formula, which will result in incorrect counts. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the criteria used in the formula is precise, as using a more general criteria can also result in incorrect counts.  You might want to use AND or OR within your criteria. This can trip up many beginner Google Sheet users.

What are common mistakes when using the COUNTIF Formula:
Common mistakes when using the COUNTIF formula include forgetting to begin the formula with an equals sign (=), not including the range argument, or typos in the criteria argument. Using in adequate criteria to accomplish a count of what you want.

What are common misconceptions people might have with the COUNTIF Formula:
Some people may think that the COUNTIF formula can count any type of data, when it actually can only be used for counting specific values based on your own criteria.
Additionally, some people may think that COUNTIF will work for data with multiple conditions in a single cell, when it is designed to work with one condition in a single cell. At least your criteria needs to be specfic.
It's also common to think that a count is correct no matter what. If your data is incorrect, the COUNTIF function will not know.

Google Sheet Formula Frustrations Solved
Find every formula you'll ever need in Google Sheets here at Better Sheets. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, I’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide of 504 formulas.

Are you struggling to find a specific value in a column of data? Look no further than the powerful VLOOKUP formula. Or maybe you need to calculate the sum of values that meet specific criteria - try out SUMIF. And when it comes to frequency of values, COUNTIF has you covered.

Have you heard of the mysterious and powerful IF formula? It can turn your spreadsheets into gateways of productivity. And don't forget about the oft-partner ISBLANK(). 

Find step-by-step tutorials for any formula here on Better Sheets. Every formula page comes with links to written blog posts and Better Sheets tutorials featuring the exact formula.

Looking for a way to segment data based on specific criteria? The FILTER formula is perfect for you. 

If you need to replace VLOOKUP, give INDEX/MATCH a try.

At bettersheets.co/formulas, I have everything you need to take your Google Sheets skills to the next level. 
From ARRAYFORMULA() to ZTEST(), Better Sheets has it all. 

How To Actually Use COUNTIF() in Sheets

COUNTIF(range, criterion)
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Learn more about the COUNTIF() formula:

COUNTING FORMULAS

How can I count true and false?

n this tutorial, we’ll answer the question, “How can I count true and false or true or false?” The answer is if you have a column of true or false, you can use the =countif formula.

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