Count If NOT Blank In Google Sheets (Count Non-Empty Cells)

Google Sheets boasts an array of powerful formulas that empower users to quickly extract valuable insights from their datasets. Among these capabilities, one frequently sought-after skill is the ability to count cells that are not blank within a Google Sheets dataset.

While manually counting non-empty cells is feasible for small datasets, it becomes a cumbersome and error-prone task when dealing with larger data collections. Fortunately, Google Sheets offers an array of COUNT formulas that can effortlessly perform this task with precision.

This comprehensive tutorial will explore different highly effective formulas to count cells if they are not blank in Google Sheets. By following this step-by-step guide on “Count If Not Blank In Google Sheets,” you will gain valuable expertise in harnessing these powerful tools to streamline your data analysis process.

But before we do a deep dive on count, if not blank, in Google Sheets, let’s look at a unique scenario where knowing how to do this will be handy.

Scenario/Use Case

Imagine you’re managing a colossal dataset in Google Sheets, perhaps tracking sales figures for your thriving online business or cataloging responses to a survey.

In such data-rich environments, one recurring challenge is discerning the number of cells that actually contain data and are not empty. It’s not just about having a cursory glance at the sheet; you need an efficient and accurate method to count these non-empty cells.

This is where the prowess of Google Sheets’ COUNT formulas comes into play. They serve as your digital assistants, ready to swiftly calculate the count of non-empty cells, sparing you the arduous task of manual counting.

As you’ll discover soon, there’s more than one way to achieve this task, making it essential to understand the versatile count if not blank, functions in Google Sheets.

As we delve further into this tutorial, we’ll walk you through different yet highly effective formulas that will revolutionize how you count non-empty cells in Google Sheets.

By the end of this guide, you’ll save precious time and bolster your data analysis skills, ensuring you’re making informed decisions based on accurate data.

Copy Example Sheet

To follow along or practice with your own data, simply make a copy of our prepared Google Sheets example below:

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Example 1: Count Cells If Not Blank For Multiple Ranges Using COUNTA Function

Now that you know what it entails to count if not blank, in Google Sheets, we are sure you’re ready to get the hands-on experience. Well, guess what, we are ready to show you the brilliant step-by-step process.

While there are several formulas you can use to count cells if not blank in Google Sheets, we will start with the COUNTA function. And here is what you should know about it.

The COUNTA function in Google Sheets is a versatile and invaluable tool for counting cells that are not blank within a dataset. It is particularly handy when you want to tally the total number of cells containing any form of data, whether text, numbers, dates or even error values.

We will use the following sample data to show you how to count if not blank in Google Sheets. Our first example will focus on using the COUNTA function for multiple ranges in Google Sheets

Here’s an elaborate step-by-step guide on how to employ the COUNTA function to count non-empty cells in Google Sheets

Step 1: Select the Cell for the COUNTA Formula

Let’s kick things off by choosing a blank cell in our spreadsheet. This is basically where we want the count result to appear. For this example, we will use cell F2, so let’s go ahead and select that cell in our spreadsheet.

Step 2: Enter the COUNTA Formula

After selecting the blank cell where we want the result of our count to appear, we need to input the counter formula and here is how to do that. Navigate to the formula bar and type in the following formula:

=COUNTA(A2:A10, B2:B10, C2:C10, D2:D10)

Breaking down the formula:

The COUNTA formula we used above counts the number of non-empty cells in the specified ranges (A2:A10, B2:B10, C2:C10, D2:D10). It counts both text and numeric values, giving us the total count of non-empty cells in our spreadsheet.

Step 3: Press Enter

After entering the formula as we showed you in the previous step, we only need to press the Enter button on our keyboard. Google Sheets will instantly execute the formula and display the count of non-empty cells in the selected range in the cell where we entered the formula.

Here, take a look at our spreadsheet to see what it looks like after applying the COUNTA formula.

Take a closer look at the screenshot shown above. You’ll notice a number, 31, inside the empty cell we picked before using the COUNTA formula. This number tells us how many cells in our spreadsheet are not empty.

Example 2: Count Cells if Not Blank for Single Range using COUNTA Function

Before we dive into this example, let’s quickly recap the first one. Our previous example focused on counting non-blank cells across multiple ranges in a spreadsheet using the COUNTA function. This versatile formula allowed us to tally non-empty cells from various parts of the dataset.

In Example 2, we’ll focus on a scenario where you need to count non-empty cells within a single range. Whether you’re working with a specific column, row, or a designated area of your spreadsheet, the COUNTA function can still be your go-to tool for this task.

Let’s walk through a practical illustration of counting non-blank cells within a single range using the COUNTA function. This example will help you grasp the concept more clearly and empower you to apply it effectively to your spreadsheets.

For this example, we will use the same sample data we used for the first example, but instead of focusing on the entire data set, we are only interested in the data set under the Quantity Sold column.

Now that we have our data figured out, let’s get down to business.

Step 1: Choose A Blank Cell

As in the previous example, we’ll start by picking an empty cell where the count of non-empty cells will appear. In this case, let’s choose cell F2. If you’re following along with us, go ahead and click on cell F2 in your spreadsheet.

Step 2: Enter the COUNTA Formula

Now that we have selected the cell where we want the result for non-empty cells to appear, let’s quickly apply the COUNTA formula.

To do that, simply head over to the formula bar and type in the following formula:

=COUNTA(C2:C10)

Here’s a breakdown of the formula:

COUNTA: This is the function we are using, and it stands for “count all.” It counts all the cells within the specified range that are not empty or blank.

C2:C10: This represents the range of cells that the formula will count. This example starts from cell C2 and goes down to cell C10. So, it’s looking at all the cells within this range to count how many contain data.

The formula is structured to encompass a single range (C2 to C10) for counting non-empty cells within that specific range.

When you enter this formula in a cell (for example, in cell F2, as mentioned in the previous instruction), it will provide a number representing the count of non-empty cells within the range C2 to C10.

Step 3: Press Enter

Once you’ve typed in the COUNTA formula, which we discussed in the previous example, you only have to hit the “Enter” key on your keyboard. When you do this, Google Sheets will work its magic and calculate the result, showing you how many non-empty cells are in the chosen range.

Here’s what our spreadsheet looks like after we’ve applied the formula:

Example 3: Count Non-Empty Cells Using SUMPRODUCT Function

It’s truly fascinating how Google Sheets empowers us to tackle intricate challenges with the elegance of simple formulas. In our previous examples, we’ve explored the COUNTA function to count non-empty cells and learned how to count across multiple ranges and within single ranges.

However, data isn’t always straightforward. In some cases, cells might appear empty but contain null strings, spaces, or even apostrophes. This complexity can sometimes challenge the reliability of the COUNTA formula.

But fear not. We’re about to unveil a straightforward solution in Example 3, where we will explore how to Count Non-Empty Cells Using the SUMPRODUCT Function.

This versatile formula will ensure accurate results in all scenarios, even when dealing with those tricky empty-but-not-quite-empty cells. Let’s dive right in and master this essential tool for your Google Sheets toolkit.

Note: We will use the sample data we used for the last two examples.

Step 1: Choose A Blank Cell

To count non-empty cells in Google Sheets using the SUMPRODUCT function, we first need to select a blank cell in our spreadsheet. This is where the result will be generated. For this particular example, we will use cell F2.

Step 2: Enter SUMPRODUCT Formula

With the cell where we want the result for the non-empty cells in our spreadsheet generated, navigate to the formula bar and type the following formula:

=SUMPRODUCT(LEN(TRIM(A2:D10))>0

Here is a breakdown of the formula:

LEN(TRIM(A2:D10)): This part of the formula first trims any leading and trailing spaces from all the cells within the range A2 to D10. Trimming removes any extra spaces that might be present before or after the actual content in the cells.

LEN(…): The LEN function calculates the length of the text within each cell after trimming. In other words, it counts the number of characters in each cell that remains after removing leading and trailing spaces.

>0: This part of the formula checks if the length of the text in each cell (after trimming) is greater than zero. If it is, it means the cell contains some content, even if it’s just a single character. So, it returns TRUE for non-blank cells and FALSE for blank cells.

SUMPRODUCT(…): The SUMPRODUCT function then adds up the TRUE and FALSE values returned by the previous steps. In this context, it effectively counts the number of TRUE values (non-blank cells) within the specified range.

So, the entire formula counts the number of non-blank cells (cells with content) within the range A2 to D10 after removing leading and trailing spaces. It provides you with a count of non-blank cells across all columns and rows in your sample data.

Step 3: Hit Enter

Having entered our formula as discussed above, simply press the Enter button on your keyboard. Google Sheets should automatically generate the result in the selected cell. Here is what our result looks like after pressing Enter.

Now, that’s how to use the SUMPRODUCT function to count, if not blank, in Google Sheets. Easy right? We thought so, too.

Example 4: Count if Not Blank With COUNTIF

In our journey to master Google Sheets, we’ve explored various techniques to count non-blank cells, whether they contain data or are seemingly empty. We’ve delved into the COUNTA function, harnessed the SUMPRODUCT formula, and discovered ways to count non-blank cells within single and multiple ranges.

Now, let’s venture into another powerful tool in our arsenal: the COUNTIF function. COUNTIF is often celebrated for its ability to count cells based on specific criteria, but it can also be a versatile ally when it comes to counting non-blank cells.

In this example, we’ll delve into the world of “COUNTIF not blank” in Google Sheets, demonstrating how you can leverage COUNTIF to count cells containing any form of data, whether it’s text, numbers, dates, or something else.

What’s exciting is that we’ll continue to use the same sample data to reinforce our understanding and make our data analysis skills even more robust.

Step 1: Choose A Blank Cell

To count non-blank cells in Google Sheets using the COUNTIF function, we should begin by selecting a blank cell in our spreadsheet. This is where we want the result to be generated. For this example, we will use cell F2.

Step 2: Enter The COUNTIF formula

Now that we’ve selected the cell where we want our count result, it’s time to unleash the power of the COUNTIF formula. This formula will help us count non-blank cells effortlessly. To do that, navigate to the formula bar and type in the following formula:

=COUNTIF(A2:D10,”<>”)

Here’s what this formula does:

COUNTIF: This is the function we’re using to count cells based on a specific condition.

A2:D10: This is the range where we want to count non-blank cells. It covers all the data in our sample, from columns A to D and rows 2 to 10.

“<>”: This part of the formula tells COUNTIF to count cells that are not equal to an empty string (“<>”). In other words, it counts non-blank cells.

Step 3: Hit Enter

After typing the COUNTIF formula, press “Enter.” Google Sheets will calculate and display the count of non-blank cells in the selected cell.

With just a few keystrokes, you’ve harnessed the COUNTIF function in Google Sheets to efficiently count if not blank in Google Sheets, making your data analysis tasks a breeze.

Final Thoughts on How to Count If NOT Blank In Google Sheets

In this journey of learning how to count if not blank in Google Sheets, we’ve unlocked a versatile set of tools and formulas that empower us to dissect data with precision.

Whether it’s the dependable COUNTA function, the dynamic SUMPRODUCT formula, or the criterion-driven COUNTIF function, each method has broadened our ability to work with non-blank cells, bringing valuable insights to the surface.

As you continue to explore the realm of data analysis in Google Sheets, remember that the choice of method depends on your specific dataset and objectives. The COUNTA function excels when you need to count non-empty cells across multiple ranges, while SUMPRODUCT shines in its flexibility to handle various data scenarios. And when precision is key, the COUNTIF function steps in, enabling you to count non-blank cells with tailored criteria.

Armed with these tools, you’re well-equipped to tackle any data challenge, making your Google Sheets experience efficient and insightful.