Try it for free: count values that satisfy a condition with the COUNTIF function

You probably know how to use the count function to count cells that contain a value. If you need an update on the count, see count function, ways to count the values in a worksheet and Video: Count cells in Excel But what happens if you want to count only cells that meet a condition, such as being greater than or equal to a number or a specific date, or that corresponds to the text? Here is where COUNTIF function is really useful.To use COUNTIF, you first specify the range that contains the values that you want to count. Then you enter a criterion (condition) that is used as a test. Here is both with the COUNTIF (B2: B5) and the criterion ("> 55"). The function checks the range B2: B5, applies the "greater than 55," and returns the number of values that satisfy the condition, and displays the number of the worksheet. Easy enough, very powerful.

Below is a live worksheet, Excel Web App Integration feature of Live.com. Take a look at the formulas, description, and especially the "how it works". And why is a worksheet, you can practice right here by entering formulas of your choice.You can download the workbook by clicking the workbook full-size view in the lower-right corner of the embedded workbook (at the right end of the black bar above). Clicking the button loads the workbook in a new browser window (or tab), where you'll see a Download button. Note that you cannot type of cells in the worksheet view full-size.For information about advanced settings for the embedding of a workbook, see Customize how Excel workbook is embedded.For more information about COUNTIF, see COUNTIF function. To know even more powerful function introduced in Excel 2007 that allows you to use multiple criteria and ranges, see COUNTIFS function.And finally, if you already know about the COUNTIF function and use it on a regular basis, you have advice to share? We'd love to know more about how people use this feature.--Gary Willoughby

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