Compact mode
COUNTA vs COUNTBLANK vs COUNTIFS
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 typesFor all*- StatisticalExcel functions for statistical analysis and calculations
Operation Type 🔧
Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputsFor all*- CalculationExcel functions for performing various calculations
Usage Context Comparison
For whom 👥
Target user groups who would benefit most from using this Excel functionFor all*COUNTACOUNTBLANKCOUNTIFS
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.
COUNTBLANK- Empty Cell CounterCOUNTBLANK is known for Empty Cell Counter.
COUNTIFS- Multiple Criteria CountingCOUNTIFS is known for Multiple Criteria Counting.
History Comparison
Facts Comparison
Interesting Fact 💡
Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel functionCOUNTA- Originally designed for counting attendance in spreadsheets
COUNTBLANK- Originally created to find missing data entries
COUNTIFS- Enhanced version of COUNTIF
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionCOUNTA- Makes counting feel like a thrilling adventure in cell exploration
COUNTBLANK- The introvert of Excel functions - only looks for empty spaces
COUNTIFS- The function that makes counting feel like detective work
Usage Information Comparison
Formula Complexity Level 📖
Indicates the difficulty level and complexity of using the Excel function effectivelyCOUNTACOUNTBLANKCOUNTIFS
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.
COUNTBLANK- RangeCOUNTBLANK accepts Range as input data. Excel functions that operate on cell ranges and data sets
COUNTIFS- ArrayCOUNTIFS accepts Array as input data. Excel functions designed to work with arrays and ranges of data Click to see all.
- RangeCOUNTIFS accepts Range as input data. Excel functions that operate on cell ranges and data sets
- NumberCOUNTIFS accepts Number as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for numerical calculations
Version 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
COUNTBLANK- Microsoft 365COUNTBLANK is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
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 properlyCOUNTACOUNTBLANKCOUNTIFSRequired 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
COUNTIFS- TextCOUNTIFS accepts Text as input types Excel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing
- NumberCOUNTIFS accepts Number as input types Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs
Evaluation Comparison
Pros ✅
Key advantages and strengths of the Excel functionCOUNTA- Easy To Use
- Fast
- Non-Zero Values Only
- Versatile
COUNTBLANK- Simple To Use
- Quick Results
- Reliable
COUNTIFS- Flexible Criteria Options
- Multiple Conditions
- Easy To Use
- Handles Multiple Criteria
- Flexible
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
COUNTBLANK- Only Counts Completely Empty CellsFunctions that only detect completely empty cells and ignore cells with spaces or formulas Click to see all.
- Cannot Count Specific Values
- Limited FunctionalityFunctions with restricted capabilities, reducing problem-solving options Click to see all.
COUNTIFS- Complex Syntax For Multiple Criteria
- Performance Issues With Large Datasets
- Limited To Equal Conditions Only
- Case SensitiveFunctions where text matching is affected by letter case can cause unexpected results Click to see all.
Ratings Comparison
Versatility Score 📈
Rating for function's adaptability to different scenariosCOUNTACOUNTBLANKCOUNTIFS
Alternatives to COUNTA
SUM
Known for Basic Arithmetic Calculations
📈
is more versatile than COUNTA
ISBLANK
Known for Empty Cell Detection
⚙
performs better than COUNTA
🛠
is more reliable than COUNTA
LOOKUP
Known for Simple Vertical And Horizontal Lookups
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COUNTA
ROUND
Known for Round Numbers
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COUNTA
AVERAGEIF
Known for Conditional Average Calculations
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COUNTA