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How to count blank cells in Excel and Google Sheets
Excel & Google Sheets
=COUNTBLANK(B2:B6)✓
Verified example
Computed by a real spreadsheet engine on the sample data below.
| Label | Score |
| Alpha | 85 |
| Beta | |
| Gamma | 90 |
| Delta | |
| Epsilon | 78 |
=COUNTBLANK(B2:B6)→2
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Step by step
- 1Identify the range to check for blanks, e.g. B2:B6.
- 2In an empty cell type =COUNTBLANK(B2:B6) and press Enter.
- 3The result is the number of cells in that range that are empty.
Tips
- COUNTBLANK counts cells that are truly empty AND cells containing a formula that returns "" (empty string). If you want only genuinely empty cells, use =SUMPRODUCT(--(LEN(B2:B6)=0)) is NOT reliable — instead visually inspect suspect cells.
- To count non-blank cells use =COUNTA(B2:B6).
- =COUNTBLANK(range) + =COUNTA(range) always equals the total cell count of the range.
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Frequently asked
Does COUNTBLANK count cells containing a space character?
No — a cell with a space is not blank. COUNTBLANK only counts cells with no content at all or that return "".
Can I count blank cells in a column conditionally (e.g. only in rows where another column equals 'A')?
Yes: =COUNTIFS(A2:A6,"A",B2:B6,"") counts rows where A is 'A' and B is blank.