COUNTIF Generator - Count Cells by Criteria | Excel & Sheets
Counts the number of cells within a range that meet the given condition.
Common Errors & Fixes
COUNTIF returns 0 or wrong count
Causes:- Criteria not in quotes for text (e.g. "Yes" not Yes).
- Data type mismatch: numbers stored as text or vice versa.
- Extra spaces in cells; criteria does not match exactly.
Fixes:- Wrap text criteria in double quotes: "Completed", ">100".
- Use TRIM on data or match the stored format.
- For numbers, use "=100" or ">50" as the criteria string.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does COUNTIF return 0 when I expect a count?
Check that your criteria match the data type (number vs text). Use quotes for text: "Completed" or "=100". For numbers use ">50" or "=100". Dates may need DATE() or a cell reference.
How do I count blank or non-blank cells?
Use criteria "" for blanks: =COUNTIF(A:A,""). For non-blanks use "<>": =COUNTIF(A:A,"<>").
What is the difference between COUNTIF and COUNTIFS?
COUNTIF has one condition; COUNTIFS supports multiple criteria ranges. Use COUNTIFS when you need to count only when two or more conditions are met.
Can COUNTIF use wildcards?
Yes. Use * for any characters and ? for one character. Example: =COUNTIF(A:A,"*apple*") counts cells containing "apple".
How do I count cells with a date in a range?
Use criteria with a date: =COUNTIF(A:A,">="&DATE(2025,1,1)) or =COUNTIF(A:A,">"&B1) where B1 holds the date.
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