Excel COUNT Function
COUNT returns how many numeric values exist in the values or ranges you provide.
Use it when you need to count numbers, dates, or times without counting labels, blank cells, or other text values.
COUNT syntax & arguments
Syntax
=COUNT(value1, [value2], ...)
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1
value1
RequiredThe first value, cell reference, or range to check for numeric entries.
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2
value2
Optional RepeatableAdditional values, cell references, or ranges to check for numeric entries.
Example
=COUNT(D2:D50)
Count how many cells in D2:D50 contain numbers, dates, or times.
COUNT caveats
COUNT answers a specific question: how many numeric entries are present. It is not a general row counter.
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Text is not counted
Labels, names, and numbers stored as text are ignored when they are in referenced cells.
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Dates and times count
Excel stores dates and times as numbers, so COUNT includes them in the result.
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Blanks are ignored
Empty cells do not increase the count, even if they are inside the selected range.
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Errors can break the result
Error values in referenced cells can cause COUNT to return an error instead of a numeric answer.
Counting populated cells? Use COUNTA when text and other non-empty entries should count too.
Intro COUNT practice problem
Solve the intro problem directly here, or open it on its own page.
Advanced COUNT practice problems
Use COUNT alongside other Excel functions in realistic, less-prescriptive challenges.
