Imagine having a spreadsheet filled with vacant cells, and your desire to tally the cells brimming with content. The impracticality of eyeballing each cell for counting becomes evident.
But fear not! A remedy exists. When confronted with this scenario, the quest to COUNTIF cells not devoid of content in Google Sheets can be accomplished using a variety of functions.
In this instructional piece, we’ll unveil the art of enumerating non-blank cells within Google Sheets utilizing these functions, all while discerning the distinctions between them.
Counting Non-Empty Cells: The Google Sheets Way
Here’s the method to have Google Sheets tabulate non-vacant cells:
1. Handpick an empty cell.
2. Deploy the COUNTA function within the chosen cell.
3. Inside the opening brackets, specify the cell range for enumeration, such as =COUNTA(A3:A16).
4. Execute Enter on your keyboard. Presto! The grand sum of cells harboring values emerges.
Counting Cells with COUNTA Function: A Cinch
COUNTA function assumes the mantle of Google Sheets’ equivalent to a COUNTIF for cells not devoid of value or text strings—ignoring the barren ones.
For instance, if your data tableau mirrors the exhibit below and you yearn to compute Google Sheets’ cell tally replete with text, summon the COUNTA function.
Here’s the dance of steps for implementing COUNTA:
1. Click or designate an unoccupied cell.
2. Embark upon the COUNTA ritual.
3. Beyond the opening brackets, outline the cell range up for assessment.
4. Execute a Click to dispense the incantation, leading to a reckoning of the teeming data range’s non-vacant cells.
While COUNTA proves stalwart in most cases of Google Sheets’ non-blank calculations, it falters when encountering an empty string or the ever-present apostrophe.
An empty string (“”) might arise from a formula, while the apostrophe is a mainstay in data entry endeavors.
Despite their deceitful vacant appearance, COUNTA bestows recognition upon cells bedecked with these artful tricksters. Exhibit A: cell A3 bears an empty string (“”) while cell A7 dons an apostrophe (‘). Both, although concealing their contents, find inclusion in the Google Sheets COUNTA ceremony.
Thus, the reckoning for Google Sheets COUNTIF not blank arises at 12, contrary to the veritable count of 10.
Counting Non-Empty Cells with COUNTIF Function
Behold the COUNTIF function, a Google Sheets denizen enabling counts when specific conditions find satisfaction. To gauge all cells shunning emptiness, employ the following script:
=COUNTIF(A1:A13,”>0″&”*”)
With bated breath, anticipate these steps for invoking COUNTIF:
1. Target or select an awaiting empty cell.
2. Invoke the COUNTIF enchantment.
3. Embrace the cell range to be assessed.
4. Add a comma, entwining a condition.
5. Anointed by a Click, witness the manifestation of the non-vacant cell tally.
Pray, note that this formula’s condition (” >0 ” & “* “) thrusts empty cells of apostrophes or void strings into the abyss of insignificance, alongside any hidden phantoms.
This charm also forsakes Logic (TRUE/FALSE) and Errors, as illustrated by our protagonist cell A3, bearing a logical value absent from the formula’s reckoning.
Beneath Moonlight’s Caress: SUMPRODUCT for Non-Blank Cells
Behold, an incantation that bequeaths Google Sheets the prowess to count non-blank cells: the SUMPRODUCT formula, a symphony of fundamental functions. When seeking to enumerate these denizens within Google Sheets, brace for the possibility of null strings, spaces, and apostrophes lurking amidst the realm.
A Google Sheets savant cannot solely depend on COUNTA’s blessings for non-empty cell divination.
To wit, a SIMPLE SUMPRODUCT verse for your countening pleasure:
=SUMPRODUCT(LEN(A1:A13)>0))
To unlock the arcane, heed these ancient verses:
1. Opt for a cell poised in emptiness.
2. Enchant it with the spell of =SUMPRODUCT.
3. Conjure forth the LEN function.
4. Grace it with the TRIM incantation, embracing the chosen cell range (TRIM(A2:A11)).
5. Append the >0), ushering forth a kingdom where only emptiness is vanquished.
6. Seal the pact by invoking Enter on your keyboard, inviting the grand spectacle.
Such is the manner in which Google Sheets beckons empty cells into the realm of sumptuousness through the =SUMPRODUCT incantation.
This potent formula scrutinizes each cell, discerning if a morsel of character or numeral graces its chamber. Should emptiness prevail, it remains shrouded, unseen. When characters emerge, wielding lengths beyond nullity, they are celebrated with numerical acclaim. The LEN function discerns this reality, whereas TRIM consigns spaces to the shadows.
Crucial Lore: Functions Under the Microscope
While traversing the winding path of functions in quest of Google Sheets’ non-blank cells, vital truths shimmer amidst the mystic.
1. COUNTA stands aloof in perfection’s embrace, alien to the universe of spaces, symbols, and logic.
2. COUNTIF, too, cloaks its eyes from cells sheltering blank strings or apostrophes.
3. COUNTIF’s disdain extends to Logic (TRUE/FALSE) and Errors, rendering them specters.
Enigmas Unveiled: Frequently Pondered Mysteries
“How does one COUNTIF without blank spaces in Google Sheets?” you beseech. A spectrum of solutions exists, yet the COUNTA function remains most alluring. Merely inscribe the formula, its parameters coupled with your chosen cell range.
Yet, be enlightened that COUNTA indulges both flesh and spirit, counting not just logical values and apostrophes, but spaces too.
A Cornucopia of Choices: COUNT vs. COUNTA
The COUNT entity within Google Sheets enumerates cells home to numbers, shunning blank cradles. Text, errors, and barren stretches are cast aside.
In contrast, COUNTA embraces a wider kinship—cells adorning themselves with content, be it text, numerals, or even those veiled in logical hues.
Embarking on the Trail of Visible Cells
In the realm of Google Sheets, shadows may abound—concealing rows and masks wielded by filters. Should the urge arise to tally solely the seen, the SUBTOTAL incantation shall serve.
Invoke the ritual of =SUBTOTAL(function_number, range). For instance, a desire to enumerate the visible denizens of column B entwines the number 9 (function_number for SUM) within this script:
=SUBTOTAL(9, B1:B10)
Thus concludes our exploration of the arcane art, COUNTIF Not Blank in Google Sheets. Armed with newfound knowledge, you wield the power to sculpt formulas aligned to your needs. Should this grimoire kindle enlightenment, consider perusing our tome of conditional formatting in Google Sheets.
Yet, should your ambitions lead you further along the path of Sheets mastery, venture into Udemy’s Google Sheets Comprehensive Masterclass and the Complete Google Sheets Course. A gem from our own forge—a guide uniting Google Forms and Sheets—awaits eager seekers.