Countif Contains In Google Sheets: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you're working with Google Sheets, you're probably familiar with the COUNTIF function, which allows you to count the number of cells that meet a specific condition. However, what if you want to count cells that contain a specific text or phrase, rather than an exact match? That's where the COUNTIF Contains function comes in.

In this article, we'll explore how to use the COUNTIF Contains function in Google Sheets, including its syntax, examples, and best practices. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, this guide will help you master the COUNTIF Contains function and take your Google Sheets skills to the next level.

What is the COUNTIF Contains Function?

The COUNTIF Contains function is a variation of the COUNTIF function that allows you to count cells that contain a specific text or phrase, rather than an exact match. This function is particularly useful when you need to count cells that contain a specific word or phrase, but may have other text surrounding it.

Syntax of the COUNTIF Contains Function

The syntax of the COUNTIF Contains function is as follows:

COUNTIF(range, "*" & criteria & "*")

Where:

• range is the range of cells that you want to count.
• criteria is the text or phrase that you want to search for.

How to Use the COUNTIF Contains Function

Using the COUNTIF Contains function is relatively straightforward. Here's an example:

Suppose you have a list of names in column A, and you want to count the number of cells that contain the word "John". You can use the following formula:

=COUNTIF(A:A, "*" & "John" & "*")

This formula will count all cells in column A that contain the word "John", regardless of whether it's surrounded by other text.

Examples of the COUNTIF Contains Function

Here are a few more examples of the COUNTIF Contains function:

• Count cells that contain the word "Marketing": =COUNTIF(A:A, "*" & "Marketing" & "*")
• Count cells that contain the phrase "New York": =COUNTIF(A:A, "*" & "New York" & "*")
• Count cells that contain the word "Sales" in a specific range: =COUNTIF(A1:A10, "*" & "Sales" & "*")

Best Practices for Using the COUNTIF Contains Function

Here are a few best practices to keep in mind when using the COUNTIF Contains function:

• Make sure to use the * wildcard characters on either side of the criteria text, as this will allow the function to search for the text anywhere within the cell.
• Use the & operator to concatenate the * wildcard characters with the criteria text.
• Be careful when using the COUNTIF Contains function with large datasets, as it can be slower than other COUNTIF functions.

Common Errors When Using the COUNTIF Contains Function

Here are a few common errors to watch out for when using the COUNTIF Contains function:

• Forgetting to use the * wildcard characters on either side of the criteria text.
• Using the = operator instead of the & operator to concatenate the * wildcard characters with the criteria text.
• Using the wrong range or criteria text.

Alternatives to the COUNTIF Contains Function

If you're not comfortable using the COUNTIF Contains function, there are a few alternative functions you can use:

• The SEARCH function: This function allows you to search for a specific text or phrase within a cell, and returns the position of the text if it's found.
• The REGEXMATCH function: This function allows you to search for a specific text or phrase within a cell using regular expressions.

Conclusion

The COUNTIF Contains function is a powerful tool in Google Sheets that allows you to count cells that contain a specific text or phrase. By following the syntax and best practices outlined in this guide, you can use the COUNTIF Contains function to simplify your data analysis and make your workflow more efficient. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, this function is sure to become a valuable addition to your Google Sheets toolkit.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you used the COUNTIF Contains function in Google Sheets before? What are some common use cases for this function? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Gallery of COUNTIF Contains Function Examples

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the COUNTIF and COUNTIF Contains functions?

The COUNTIF function counts cells that meet a specific condition, while the COUNTIF Contains function counts cells that contain a specific text or phrase.

How do I use the COUNTIF Contains function with multiple criteria?

You can use the `AND` or `OR` operators to combine multiple criteria in the COUNTIF Contains function.

Can I use the COUNTIF Contains function with other Google Sheets functions?