Counting Cells With Text In Google Sheets

Working with spreadsheets requires you to do several things from time to time. There might be an instance when you’ll have to calculate the sum of all the pieces of data in a particular column. To do that, Google Sheets provides a list of formulas that you may be able to utilize whenever you find the need to do so. 

Sure, finding the sum is a formula that’s somehow pretty common for all since it is being used most of the time. However, Google Sheets does not only enable you to deal with numerical data but also with texts in general. Have you ever encountered the need to count all the information you’ve inputted into your spreadsheet? Kind of a hassle, right? Mainly if your spreadsheet contains more than a hundred information in it. 

This is the reason why with Google Sheets “COUNTA” formula, you may be able to count all the cells that have data in it, whether the data is a number or not. With the few steps below, you may be able to get a hold of this in no time.

1. Go to the Google Sheets website using your web browser.

To start, open your most commonly used web browser and navigate your way to the Google Sheets website. Be sure that you have your account logged in before formally beginning with the subsequent steps. This is essential for you to gain access to your previously created spreadsheets.

2. Select the spreadsheet that you wish to edit.

Upon making sure that you’ve signed into your account, browse through all your previously created spreadsheets and select the one, you want to count the data cells in. Click on your selected spreadsheet to open it.

3. Locate the set of data cells that you want to count.

After successfully opening the spreadsheet you’ve chosen, locate the set of cells that you want to count. It may be an entire column, an entire row, a set of columns, rows, or even the entire spreadsheet. It’s entirely up to you. 

4. Type “=COUNTA” in a blank cell.

After you’ve decided which cells you’re going to apply the formula on, type “=COUNTA” in a blank cell. You may type it in any blank cell available, or if you have a designated cell for it, you may type it there. Typing this formula will prompt Google Sheets that you’ll use a formula, so click “Tab” on your keyboard to use it or click on the formula from the list that will appear. 

5. Select the cells that you’ve decided to count.

While your formula cell is still active, highlight the cells you want to count. You may also opt to type in the cell number where the count must begin and end (e.g., A2:A13). Separate the beginning and ending cell number with a colon to properly prompt Google Sheets the command of where you want the count to start and finish. 

6. Click “Enter” on your keyboard to activate the formula.

Once you’ve highlighted or inputted the cells that you want to count in the formula, click the “Enter” button on your keyboard. This will automatically calculate the number of data in the range of cells that you’ve included in the formula.

Summing-Up

Google Sheets offers a lot of methods for you to experience another level of convenience. Imagine, instead of doing this manually, with just a few simple steps, you’ll just have to sit back and wait for the magic to happen. It indeed saves you a lot of time. This is why it’s essential to be knowledgeable of these methods to lessen the time you spend doing your work. Learn the preceding steps by heart, and you’re ready to go.