Compact mode
COUNTA vs COLUMN vs FORMULATEXT
Table of content
Basic Classification Comparison
Function Category 📊
Primary classification of the Excel function based on its main purpose and usage domain, helps users quickly identify function typesCOUNTA- StatisticalCOUNTA belongs to the Statistical category. Excel functions for statistical analysis and calculations
COLUMN- Lookup & ReferenceCOLUMN belongs to the Lookup & Reference category. Excel functions for searching and referencing data across spreadsheets
FORMULATEXT- InformationFORMULATEXT belongs to the Information category. Excel functions that provide information about cells and data
Operation Type 🔧
Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputsCOUNTA- CalculationCOUNTA performs Calculation operations. Excel functions for performing various calculations
COLUMN- InformationCOLUMN performs Information operations. Functions that focus on retrieving and displaying data in various formats
FORMULATEXT- InformationFORMULATEXT performs Information operations. Functions that focus on retrieving and displaying data in various formats
Usage Context Comparison
For whom 👥
Target user groups who would benefit most from using this Excel functionFor all*COUNTACOLUMNFORMULATEXT
Basic Information Comparison
Known For ⭐
Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel functionCOUNTA- Count Non-Empty CellsCOUNTA is known for Count Non-Empty Cells.
COLUMN- Column Number RetrievalCOLUMN is known for Column Number Retrieval.
FORMULATEXT- Formula InspectionFORMULATEXT is known for Formula Inspection.
History Comparison
Facts Comparison
Interesting Fact 💡
Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel functionCOUNTA- Originally designed for counting attendance in spreadsheets
COLUMN- Essential for column calculations
FORMULATEXT- Popular among Excel trainers
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionCOUNTA- Makes counting feel like a thrilling adventure in cell exploration
COLUMN- The vertical cousin of ROW function
FORMULATEXT- The formula whisperer
Usage Information Comparison
Formula Complexity Level 📖
Indicates the difficulty level and complexity of using the Excel function effectivelyFor all*
Technical Details Comparison
Input Data Type 📝
Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parametersCOUNTA- NumberCOUNTA accepts Number as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for numerical calculations
- TextCOUNTA accepts Text as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for text manipulation Click to see all.
- ArrayCOUNTA accepts Array as input data. Excel functions designed to work with arrays and ranges of data Click to see all.
COLUMN- RangeCOLUMN accepts Range as input data. Excel functions that operate on cell ranges and data sets
FORMULATEXTVersion Compatibility 💻
Indicates which Excel versions and platforms the function is compatible with < including Office 365< Excel 2019< 2016< etc.For all*- Excel 2019Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2019 version
- Excel 2016Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2016 version
- Excel 2013Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2013 version
Operating System 💾
Specifies the operating systems where the function can be used < including Windows< macOS< and web platformsFor all*- WindowsExcel functions optimized for Windows operating system
- MacOSExcel functions optimized for MacOS users
- Web ExcelExcel functions available in web-based versions
Required Arguments Count 🔢
Number of mandatory arguments needed for the function to work properlyCOUNTACOLUMN- ~
FORMULATEXTRequired Arguments Type 📊
The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the functionFor all*- RangeExcel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations
COUNTA- ArrayCOUNTA accepts Array as input types Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
Evaluation Comparison
Pros ✅
Key advantages and strengths of the Excel functionCOUNTA- Easy To Use
- Fast
- Non-Zero Values Only
- Versatile
COLUMN- No Arguments NeededExcel functions that work without arguments provide quick results with minimal setup
- Consistent Results
FORMULATEXT- Great For Learning
- Easy Debugging
Cons ❌
Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel functionCOUNTA- Counts Text As Valid
- Includes ErrorsFunctions that consider error values in their computations, affecting results Click to see all.
- Format Sensitive
COLUMN- Limited FunctionalityFunctions with restricted capabilities, reducing problem-solving options Click to see all.
- Basic Output
FORMULATEXT
Ratings Comparison
Versatility Score 📈
Rating for function's adaptability to different scenariosCOUNTACOLUMNFORMULATEXT
Alternatives to COUNTA
ISNUMBER
Known for Number Validation
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
MONTH
Known for Month Extraction
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
COUNTBLANK
Known for Empty Cell Counter
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
📈
is more versatile than COLUMN
⭐
is rated higher than COLUMN
COUNT
Known for Counting Numeric Cells
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
📈
is more versatile than COLUMN
⭐
is rated higher than COLUMN
NOW
Known for Current Date And Time Retrieval
📈
is more versatile than COLUMN
ISBLANK
Known for Empty Cell Detection
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
📈
is more versatile than COLUMN
⭐
is rated higher than COLUMN
TRANSPOSE
Known for Converting Row Data To Columns
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
📈
is more versatile than COLUMN
⭐
is rated higher than COLUMN
DAY
Known for Day Extraction
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
RAND
Known for Generate Random Numbers
📈
is more versatile than COLUMN