Countif Google Sheets Contains Text: Easy Formula Guide

Counting cells that contain specific text in Google Sheets can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to spreadsheet management. Fortunately, Google Sheets offers several formulas that can help you achieve this. In this article, we will explore the COUNTIF function, which is specifically designed to count cells that meet certain criteria, including containing specific text.

Understanding the COUNTIF Function

The COUNTIF function is a powerful tool in Google Sheets that allows you to count cells that meet specific criteria. The syntax for the COUNTIF function is as follows:

COUNTIF(range, criteria)

range refers to the range of cells that you want to search.
criteria refers to the condition that you want to apply to the cells.

For example, if you want to count the number of cells in the range A1:A10 that contain the text "apple", you can use the following formula:

COUNTIF(A1:A10, "*apple*")

The asterisk (*) is a wildcard character that allows you to search for cells that contain the specified text anywhere within the cell.

Using the COUNTIF Function to Count Cells with Specific Text

To use the COUNTIF function to count cells that contain specific text, follow these steps:

Select the cell where you want to display the count.
Type =COUNTIF( to start the formula.
Select the range of cells that you want to search.
Type a comma (,) to separate the range from the criteria.
Type the criteria, including any wildcard characters, in quotes.
Close the formula with a parenthesis ()).
Press Enter to apply the formula.

For example, suppose you have a list of names in the range A1:A10, and you want to count the number of cells that contain the text "John". You can use the following formula:

COUNTIF(A1:A10, "*John*")

This formula will count the number of cells in the range A1:A10 that contain the text "John" anywhere within the cell.

Using the COUNTIFS Function to Count Cells with Multiple Criteria

If you need to count cells that meet multiple criteria, you can use the COUNTIFS function. The syntax for the COUNTIFS function is as follows:

COUNTIFS(range1, criteria1, [range2], [criteria2],...)

range1 refers to the first range of cells that you want to search.
criteria1 refers to the first condition that you want to apply to the cells.
[range2] and [criteria2] refer to additional ranges and criteria that you want to apply.

For example, suppose you have a list of names and ages in the ranges A1:A10 and B1:B10, respectively. You want to count the number of cells that contain the text "John" in the name column and have an age greater than 30. You can use the following formula:

COUNTIFS(A1:A10, "*John*", B1:B10, ">30")

This formula will count the number of cells in the range A1:A10 that contain the text "John" and have a corresponding age greater than 30 in the range B1:B10.

Common Errors When Using the COUNTIF Function

When using the COUNTIF function, there are several common errors to watch out for:

Incorrect range: Make sure to select the correct range of cells that you want to search.
Incorrect criteria: Make sure to type the criteria correctly, including any wildcard characters.
Missing quotes: Make sure to enclose the criteria in quotes.
Missing wildcard characters: Make sure to use wildcard characters (*) to search for cells that contain the specified text anywhere within the cell.

Best Practices for Using the COUNTIF Function

Here are some best practices to keep in mind when using the COUNTIF function:

Use wildcard characters: Use wildcard characters (*) to search for cells that contain the specified text anywhere within the cell.
Use quotes: Enclose the criteria in quotes to ensure that the formula works correctly.
Test the formula: Test the formula to make sure it is working correctly.
Use the correct range: Make sure to select the correct range of cells that you want to search.

Conclusion

The COUNTIF function is a powerful tool in Google Sheets that allows you to count cells that meet specific criteria, including containing specific text. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can use the COUNTIF function to count cells that contain specific text, even if you're new to spreadsheet management. Remember to use wildcard characters, quotes, and the correct range to ensure that the formula works correctly.