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How to count cells less than a value in Excel and Google Sheets
Excel & Google Sheets
=COUNTIF(B2:B6,"<100")✓
Verified example
Computed by a real spreadsheet engine on the sample data below.
| Product | Sales |
| A | 80 |
| B | 150 |
| C | 60 |
| D | 200 |
| E | 95 |
=COUNTIF(B2:B6,"<100")→3
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Step by step
- 1Identify the numeric range, e.g. B2:B6.
- 2In an empty cell type =COUNTIF(B2:B6,"<100") replacing 100 with your threshold.
- 3Press Enter. The result is the count of cells strictly below 100.
Tips
- For less than or equal to use "<=": =COUNTIF(B2:B6,"<=100").
- To reference a threshold in a cell (e.g. D1): =COUNTIF(B2:B6,"<"&D1).
- Combine with COUNTIF greater-than to count values within a range: subtract the two counts or use COUNTIFS with both conditions.
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Frequently asked
Can I count cells less than zero to find negatives?
Yes: =COUNTIF(B2:B6,"<0") counts all negative values in the range.
Does COUNTIF less-than work with dates?
Yes: =COUNTIF(A2:A6,"<"&TODAY()) counts dates that have already passed.