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COUNT Function

Excel 2000+

Summary

The COUNT function tallies numeric values within a range or list of arguments, ignoring text, logical values, and errors. Perfect for quantifying data entries in spreadsheets.

Syntax

COUNT(value1, [value2], ...)

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
value1	`Any`	Yes	Required first argument: cell, range, or value to count numbers from
value2	`Any`	No	Optional additional arguments (up to 254 more)

Using the COUNT Function

Use COUNT to determine how many cells contain numeric data in datasets, lists, or dynamic ranges. Ideal for summary statistics, data validation, and conditional formatting triggers.

Common COUNT Examples

Basic Range Count

=COUNT(A1:A10)

Returns the count of cells containing numbers in A1:A10 (ignores text/blanks).

Multiple Arguments

=COUNT(A1:A5, B1:B5, 100)

Counts numbers across ranges and direct value 100.

Mixed Data Sample

=COUNT(A2:A7)

From sample data (date,19,22.24,TRUE,#DIV/0!), returns 3.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, dates are stored as numbers so they are counted.

It ignores non-numeric data like text, errors, blanks.

Yes, only numeric elements in arrays are counted.

Common Errors and Solutions

#VALUE!

Cause: Invalid argument types

Solution: Ensure arguments are valid references or values

Incorrect count

Cause: Expecting text/logicals to count

Solution: Use COUNTA for non-empty cells

Notes

Text like "123" is NOT counted unless typed directly
Logical TRUE/FALSE ignored unless direct arguments
Dates always counted as serial numbers
Use COUNTIF for conditional counting

Compatibility

Available in: Excel 2000+, Excel 2007+, Excel 2010+, Excel 2013+, Excel 2016+, Excel 2019+, Excel 2021+, Excel 365, Excel Online

Not available in:

Content last reviewed: December 11, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2000+