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How to count cells with text in Excel and Google Sheets
Excel & Google Sheets
=COUNTIF(A2:A100, "*")Try it with your data
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Step by step
- 1Pick a cell for the count.
- 2Enter =COUNTIF(A2:A100, "*") — the asterisk matches any text.
- 3Only cells containing text are counted; numbers and blanks are skipped.
Tips
- To count cells containing a specific word, use "*word*", e.g. =COUNTIF(A:A, "*paid*").
- To count numbers instead of text, use COUNT; for everything non-blank, use COUNTA.
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Frequently asked
Why does my COUNTIF count numbers too?
The "*" wildcard only matches text. If numbers are being counted, they are likely stored as text — check the cell format.