COUNT Google Sheets Function [With Quiz]

Kieran Dixon Updated:  September 14, 2021

In Google Sheets the COUNT function counts (shockingly) how many numerical values are contained in the values, cells, or ranges provided as arguments.

Other data types (like text) are ignored.

COUNT Syntax

• value1 = a value, cell reference, or range reference from which to counting numerical values.
• [value2, ...] = [optional] additional values, cell references, or range references to count.

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COUNT Function Example

The three values counted are:

1. 1
2. 1 January (a date)
3. 00:30 (a duration)

The arguments to COUNT can be provided as values (numbers or text), cell references, or range references:

COUNT Errors

There is an interesting anomaly in the COUNT function that is unlikely to cause you too many issues.

If you include boolean data as a value it is counted.

If you include boolean data in a cell or range reference it is not counted.

It's a bit of a strange feature.

Outside of this, the COUNT function is incredibly resilient. It will output effectively even when inputs include blank cells, errors, and text (each of these counts as 0 to the output total).

The only error I could cause with COUNT was not including any arguments:

Which results in an #N/A error:

COUNT Function Quiz

Here's a quick summary of how to use the quiz spreadsheet:

1. Select the required cell while the formula bar is empty
2. Type your answer in the formula bar
3. You can click on the spreadsheet to add cell/range references

Complete all questions to solidify your understanding of the COUNT function.

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Kieran Dixon started using spreadsheets in 2010. He leveled-up his skills working for banks and running his own business. Now he makes Google Sheets and Apps Script more approachable for anyone looking to streamline their business and life.

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