This function counts the number of cells within a specified range that meet a single specified condition.
Syntax
COUNTIF(range; criteria)
Arguments
- range (required): The group of cells to evaluate (can be numbers, text, or references)
- criteria (required): The condition that determines which cells to count, which can be:
- A number (e.g., 2000)
- Text (e.g., « Completed »)
- A cell reference (e.g., B5)
- A comparison expression (e.g., « >200000 »)
Background
While categorized as a statistical function, COUNTIF() serves as a powerful conditional counting tool. Note these technical requirements:
- For comparison operators (<, >, <=, >=, <>), the criteria must be enclosed in quotation marks
- The function supports wildcards: ? (single character) and * (any sequence)
- Case-insensitive for text criteria
Examples
Example 1: Sales Target Analysis
Using the software company’s 24-month sales data (range C3:C26):
=COUNTIF(C3:C26, »>200000″)
Returns: 15
Interpretation: The $200,000 monthly sales target was achieved 15 times in the 24-month period.
Special Syntax Notes
- For « less than 0 » criteria: « <0 »
- For « not empty » criteria: « <> »
- To reference another cell’s value as criteria: « <« &B1
Practical Applications
- Performance tracking against targets
- Inventory level monitoring
- Survey response categorization
- Data validation and completeness checks