How to Use the COUNTA Function in Google Sheets [Full Guide]

Need to count cells with data in Google Sheets? The COUNTA function is your go-to tool for efficiently tracking non-empty cells. Whether you’re managing a list of product names, analyzing sales data, or reviewing survey responses, this function ensures you account for every piece of information. Unlike the COUNT function, which only tallies numerical data, COUNTA recognizes all data types, including text and dates.

In this guide, we’ll explore the syntax of the COUNTA function, provide practical examples, and share tips to help you use it effectively in your data analysis workflows.

What Is the COUNTA Function in Google Sheets?

The COUNTA formula counts the number of non-empty cells within a specified range. It doesn’t matter what type of data is inside — text, numbers, boolean values, or formulas — as long as it’s not blank, COUNTA will count it.

How It Works

• Range Selection: The function evaluates each cell in the given range.
• Non-Empty Criteria: Any cell that contains data—whether it's a number, text, or formula—is counted.
• Empty Cells Ignored: Completely blank cells are excluded from the count.

For example, if a range has 10 cells and 7 of them contain data, COUNTA will return 7.

COUNTA Function Syntax

Here is the Google Sheets COUNTA function formula:

=COUNTA(value1, [value2, ...])

Parameters

• value1 – Required. This can be a single cell, a range of cells, or direct values.
• value2, ... – Optional. Additional values or ranges to include in the count.

Example 1: Count Non-Empty Cells in a Column

To use COUNTA formula to count non-empty cells in Google Sheet follow the steps given below:

Step 1: Open Google Sheets and Select the Cell for the Result

Choose the cell where you want the count to appear. For example, C2.

Step 2: Enter the Formula

Type the COUNTA formula in the selected cell:

=COUNTA(A2:A10)

Here, column A contains words (e.g., product names).

Step 3: Press Enter

Hit Enter to calculate the result. The formula will count all non-empty cells in the range A1:A10, including the cells with words.

Example 2: COUNTA Function with Numbers

Now we will try the COUNTA function with the numbers in Google Sheets:

Step 1: Select the Cell for the Result

Choose the cell where you want the count to appear. For example, C2.

Step 2: Enter the Formula

Type the COUNTA formula in the selected cell:

=COUNTA(B2:B10)

Here, column B contains numbers (e.g., sales figures).

Step 3: Press Enter

Hit Enter to calculate the result. The formula will count all non-empty cells in the range B2:B10, including the cells with numbers.

Example 3: COUNTA Function with Mixed Data Types

The COUNTA function can count any non-empty cell — including text, numbers, booleans like TRUE/FALSE, or symbols. Here's how to use it:

Step 1: Open Google Sheets

Launch your Google Sheets document or open a new sheet where your data is stored.

Step 2: Enter Mixed Data in a Column

In Column B (for example), enter a variety of data such as:

• B2: Yes
• B3: 15
• B4: FALSE
• B5: Pending
• B6: *
• B7 to B12: leave some cells empty or with only spaces

Step 3: Select a Cell for the Result

Click on the cell where you want the result of the COUNTA function to appear (e.g., C2).

Step 4: Enter the COUNTA Formula

Type the following formula into the selected cell:

=COUNTA(B2:B8)

Step 5: Press Enter

After entering the formula, press Enter. Google Sheets will count the number of non-empty cells in the range B2 to B12.

Step 6: Review the Result

The formula will return the count of non-empty cells — including:

• Text like "Yes" or "Pending"
• Numbers like 15
• Boolean values like FALSE
• Symbols like *

It will not count:

• Cells that are truly blank
• Cells that only contain invisible characters or spaces

Example 4: COUNTA Function with Non-Empty Cells Across Multiple Ranges

If your data is spread across different columns or rows, the COUNTA function can still help you count non-empty entries from multiple areas in one go.

Step 1: Open Google Sheets

Launch your Google Sheets document or start a new one.

Step 2: Enter Data in Multiple Ranges

Fill in data like this:

Step 3: Select a Cell for the Result

Click on the cell where you want the COUNTA result to appear, e.g., D6.

Step 4: Enter the COUNTA Formula

Type this formula:

=COUNTA(A2:A5, C2:C5)

Step 5: Press Enter

Hit Enter, and the function will return the total count of non-empty cells across both ranges — Column A (A2:A5) and Column C (C2:C5).

Use Cases of Count Non-Empty Cells Across Multiple Ranges Using COUNTA:

• Tracking attendance across different teams
• Combining form submissions across sections
• Counting completed vs. in-progress tasks across multiple columns

Difference Between COUNT and COUNTA Function

Common Issues and Troubleshooting with the COUNTA Function

Conclusion

The COUNTA function in Google Sheets is a simple yet powerful way to keep track of data completeness. Whether you're managing feedback forms, tracking inventory notes, or analyzing attendance, knowing how to count non-empty cells accurately gives you a true picture of your data.

Use COUNTA to power your dashboards, form responses, and daily reports — it’s one of the most essential tools in Google Sheets.