Excel countif wildcard cell reference. However, the date value also contains the tim.

Excel countif wildcard cell reference The `COUNTIF` function in Excel is a powerful tool for counting cells that meet a certain criterion, and it becomes even more potent when combined with wildcards. Whereas the COUNTIF function counts if one criterion in a single range is satisfied, the COUNTIFS can count if multiple criteria in multiple ranges are satisfied. Count cells that end with in Excel. g. The syntax of the Oct 16, 2023 · The use of AI tools (e. Nov 5, 2025 · Microsoft Excel solidifies its position as the premier spreadsheet software by successfully merging traditional data manipulation with cutting-edge AI, making it indispensable for professionals and students alike. Here’s the basic formula: = COUNTIF(range, criteria) “ range ” – the group of cells you want to check (e. When I expand this function downwards, the. Nov 21, 2025 · Here's how to use the COUNTIF Excel function. Is it possible to use those asterisks alongside the cell reference in the formula (I3) so that the cell only contains "Steve" but the COUNTIF function looks up *Steve*? Or is there another formula that can count all cells containing the string "Steve" without adding asterisks to each name in the list? Archived post. It is an easy-to-use function with the following general syntax, Jun 13, 2024 · In this article, I’ll discuss how to count the number of cells greater than and less than using the COUNTIF function with diverse conditions. It allows you to count cells that meet specific criteria, making data analysis efficient and precise. Mar 22, 2023 · Learn the basics of COUNTIF function in Excel. "*bread*" counts all cells with the word bread in it) but I want that wildcard to be variable. Mar 14, 2023 · The tutorial shows how to make Excel IF statement with wildcard text and get it to work for partial matches. , A1:A10). COUNTIF returns 3, since there are three cells that begin with "apx". Using COUNTIFS() to exclude blank cells fixes my issue. Column 1 has names in it, Column 2 has dates (in this very format, no spaces between the characters). Bonus tips for using cell and named references in COUNTIF include using wildcard Mar 14, 2023 · Everything you need to know about wildcards: what wildcard characters Excel recognizes, and how to best use them with built-in features and in formulas with text and numbers. When combined with wildcards, the COUNTIF function WorksheetFunction. In the example shown, the formula in E5 is: =COUNTIF(data,"*a*") In this formula, data is the named range B5:B15. Jul 1, 2024 · 22 Examples of COUNTIF Excel The COUNTIF function is an Excel function which counts cells in a particular range that meet a single criterion/condition. Dec 13, 2024 · How to Count Partial Matches in a Range Using COUNTIF (with Wildcards) This article explains how to count partial matches in Excel. May 26, 2024 · The COUNTIF function allows you to count the number of cells in a range that match a certain criteria. CountIf (Excel) Counts the number of cells within a range that meet the given criteria. 1). This chapter gives an overview of some very important range operations. Aug 17, 2025 · Learn how to use Excel Online free in your browser. For example, you can use COUNTIF to count how many times a specific word appears in a list or identify cells containing partial matches Learn how to effectively use the COUNTIF function in Excel with wildcards to count specific text patterns. Jan 6, 2020 · Wildcard represents one or more other characters. Dec 6, 2022 · To count the number of cells that begin with specific text, you can use the COUNTIF function with a wildcard. The Excel COUNTIFS () function is used to count cells in a range of data that meet a single condition or multiple conditions. Unlock new efficiency and precision in your spreadsheet tasks today. For example, this formula: = COUNTIF (B5:B11,"*combo") counts all cells in the range B5:B11 that end with the text "combo". COUNTIF Function Overview You can use the COUNTIF function in Excel to count cells that contain a specific value, count cells that are greater than or equal to a value, etc. Formula examples to count blank and non-blank cells, with values greater than, less than or equal to the number you specify, duplicates or unique, or based on another cell values, COUNTIF formulas with multiple conditions. So, you have many many options to customize the function. Wildcards, on the May 18, 2023 · The IF function doesn't support wildcards directly, but you can combine IF with COUNTIF or COUNTIFS to get basic wildcard functionality. Video included. Note that COUNTIF is not case-sensitive. Available wildcards Excel has 3 wildcards you can use in COUNTIF for Non-Contiguous Cells, COUNTIF with Wildcard Characters, COUNTIF for Date Range (s) Related Links: 1. Jan 11, 2025 · Master Excel COUNTIFS Function with clear examples, advanced tips, and best practices to boost your multi-criteria data analysis skills. In the example shown, the formula in cell E5 is: =COUNTIF (data,D5) where data is the named range B5:B16. Hi, the COUNTIF function I'm using is =COUNTIFS ( [Games],"*"& [@Games]&"*"). Here's my situation: I have two columns. Conditions are supplied to COUNTIFS in the form of The COUNTIF function can be easily combined with arithmetic operators to create complex formulas and perform tedious tasks. Jun 8, 2025 · The Excel COUNTIF function is one of the most powerful and frequently used conditional functions in Microsoft Excel. Is it possible to use "*A1*" or something like that in any capacity? Examples of using COUNTIF in Excel To use these examples in Excel, copy the data in the table below, and paste it in cell A1 of a new worksheet. From managing a simple project budget to creating complex financial models, Excel provides the tools to turn raw data into meaningful insights. Wildcard characters such as the asterisk “ * “, question mark “? ” and tilde “ ~ ” can greatly extend searching, counting, and additional functionality of functions such as AVERAGEIF, SUMIF, COUNTIF, Excel database functions, and others. I am trying to create a formula for cells B8:C10 that will parse through the data in A2:C5 and, using the CountIfS function, count the number of cells that match the specimen and value 1. Dec 11, 2013 · Re: Wildcard not working in my COUNTIFS The way the COUNTIFS formula is written is capturing the data that is greater or equal than 9/1/2014 and less than 10/1/14 (9/30/14). In simple terms, Excel is a spreadsheet program that allows you to store, organize, analyze, and visualize data. A wildcard is a special character that lets you perform "fuzzy" matching on text in your Excel formulas. By using the COUNTIF function with wildcards, you can easily count data that partially matches a specific string. Use it to count the number of cells in a range based on your chosen criteria. However, the flexibility of the function allows for many criteria, including wildcard characters for partial matching, named ranges, other cell references, and even the use of other Excel functions. Explained: The COUNTIF Function in the Excel The COUNTIF function in Excel is used to count the number of cells that meet the specific criteria. COUNTIF is truly a powerful function that can be used in a wide selection of real-life situations. While the basic COUNTIFS function is widely used, mastering advanced techniques can significantly improve your data analysis efficiency. Is there anything else that could possibly work? Aug 3, 2025 · Cell references can be used in the criteria and range arguments of the COUNTIF function in Excel, allowing for dynamic counting based on changing cell values. Jul 3, 2024 · 7 Easy methods to use COUNTIFS to count cells across multiple columns under different criteria. This tip looks at why this occurs and suggests ways to deal with the wrong results. =IFERROR (COUNTIFS (Staff_Register [New / Current… Aug 14, 2017 · To verify I opened a new workbook, entered today's date in cell C1 and typed "08/15/2017 EAS - PROCESSED ORDER" in cell C2 then tried the formula below (=COUNTIF (C2, TEXT (C1, "mm/dd/yyyy")&"*EAS - PROCESSED ORDER*"). The result is 5 since five cells in B5:B15 do not contain the letter "a". Col B Hello I have the below formula that counts the number of employees based on a few conditions. You will find a number of examples for different data types – numbers, dates, text, wildcard characters, non-blank cells and more. In some instances, though, it can provide erroneous results. Dec 28, 2024 · The COUNTIF function can be very handy when searching a range of cells for values. 2 Formulas and Functions: A formula is an expression which calculates the value of a cell. Mar 5, 2024 · How to use COUNTIF Function in Excel The syntax of the COUNTIF function is very simple. 1 Wildcards Let’s start with count­ing all cells with text. Basic COUNTIF Example This example demonstrates counting cells that contain a specific value. Download the Excel workbook & practice! Feb 24, 2012 · I would like to use the following function: =COUNTIF(B3:B400; "&lt;=24/02/2012") where 24/02/2012 should be replaced with a pointer to a specific cell. A question mark matches any single character, and an asterisk matches any sequence of characters. With COUNTIF, you can do a wildcard search by using * (asterisk). Save documents, workbooks, and presentations online, in OneDrive. The asterisk represents any number of characters, while the question mark stands for a single character. This tutorial covers various ways of using a single or multiple criteria in COUNTIF and COUNTIFS function in Excel. Can Excel COUNTIFS function use a wildcard to match numeric data? E. Aug 6, 2024 · 7 easy helpful ways to use countif wildcard in Excel. Mar 17, 2023 · The tutorial explains how to use Excel's COUNTIF and COUNTIFS functions to count cells with multiple OR conditions, e. I want to use COUNTIFS with a wildcard (e. Jan 11, 2025 · Excel COUNTIF function allows you to count the number of cells that meet specific criteria or conditions in the given range. They act as the coordinates that identify and navigate to specific cells within a spreadsheet. In the example shown, the formula in D5 is: Jan 7, 2025 · The second parameter of the COUNTIF function is used to specify the criteria to be used when determining what should be counted. Mar 13, 2025 · The Excel COUNTIF function counts the number of cells in a range that meet a specific condition, such as matching text, numbers, dates, or wildcard characters. Excel VLOOKP Function, with examples. It's essentially just performing separate checks, in sequence, which allows you to search for different value types (in this case string wildcard + cell value + string wildcard). Functions are predefined formulas and are already available in Excel. Save documents, spreadsheets, and presentations online, in OneDrive. A question mark matches any single character; an asterisk matches any sequence of characters. Named ranges in COUNTIF allow for a more organized and easy-to-read formula, by creating a name for a range of cells. Share them with others and work together at the same time. If the list is: Raft Rafts Raft (Anna) Draftland: The Magic Revival It is counting 4, but I want it to return just the entries starting with 'Raft'. May 30, 2025 · Excel wildcard characters are special symbols (*, ?, and ~) used in functions like COUNTIF(), SEARCH(), and VLOOKUP() to represent unknown characters. I successfully wrote a formula to do this: =COUNTIF(range,"*red*") for example will count all the instances of "red", however I would like to use a reference instead of writing the term in the formula. In this guide, we're going to show you how to use Wildcard criteria in Excel formulas. Introduction to Wildcards in Excel Counting Functions When analyzing large datasets in Excel, users often encounter scenarios where they need to count cells based on criteria that are not exact matches but contain specific substrings or patterns. Similarly, the function can be used to check against cells that contain Jul 28, 2016 · How do I write the countif criteria using wildcards in such a way that I can count those which have a numeric character? In the above example, the answer should 2 (1 and 2 not 3) Dec 6, 2017 · Is there a way to use a wildcard to count the partial string of a date? In my spreadsheet, I want to use the COUNTIF function to count a certain date. By using the asterisk wildcard, you can count cells that contain a specific text string anywhere in the cell. Left Lookup, with Index, Match & Offset Excel functions. However, the date value also contains the tim Feb 26, 2025 · Learn how to count cells with specific text using Excel formulas like COUNTIF & COUNTIFS to count cells containing or matching certain text. I'm not sure how to format the function so that is uses cell reference that is more specific, but not so specific that I use a What I'm looking for is a formula to count partial matches within columns A & C against an exact match in column B. Named references provide a way to easily reference cells or ranges of cells by a specific name, making COUNTIF formulas more readable and easier to manage. Learn how to count cells that meet specific criteria, streamline your data analysis, and become an Excel pro. If you want that criteria to include a cell reference, it can be confusing to make the reference work properly. For the best help attach a sample workbook to your post Attention - ExcelForum Rules have been updated as of August 2023. Here, you will find 7 actions to take when COUNTIFS is not working. We have an aster­is k that rep­re­sents any text string, even an emp­ty one. Each video is about 3 minutes and focused on a single topic - concise, and to the point. Using Wildcards * & ? in Excel SUMIFS and COUNTIFS Functions This tutorial explores the use of the wildcard characters * and ?, both of which can be used within the criteria arguments of the COUNTIFS and SUMIFS function. Apr 27, 2017 · I am trying to input a Countif function that uses wildcards on either side of a cell reference value, it also finds the last row within a separate tab to help define the range to count in. Turned out I did have blank cells, which is why my COUNTIF () didnt give the result I was expecting. Mar 30, 2025 · Cell references and wildcards are powerful tools in Excel that, when combined, can significantly enhance your data search capabilities. - How to use COUNTIF, COUNTIFS, COUNTA, COUNTBLANK- Wildcards, greater than or less than searches- How to count numbers, text, and blanks in Excel- Filtering Dec 17, 2024 · The COUNTIF function in Excel is a powerful tool used to count cells that meet specific criteria, whether it's an exact match or a partial match. Vlookup Multiple Values – Return MULTIPLE corresponding values for ONE Lookup Value. The tutorial assumes you have a working knowledge of both functions. COUNTIF uses one range and criteria, while COUNTIFS can handle multiple range/criteria pairs. The COUNTIF Function in Excel can be used to count items matching a specific criteria in data contained in a range of cells in an Excel worksheet. Download the featured file here. The function can check for logical operators, such as greater than, less than, or equal to. (Notice how the formula inputs appear) Apr 1, 2025 · Cell references in Excel are foundational elements that enable the software to be a powerful tool for data analysis and calculation. A selection of Excel Training Videos covering pivot tables, formulas, charts, tables, shortcuts, and tips. Mar 26, 2019 · Excel COUNTIF Wildcard Formula The COUNTIF function in Excel is a powerful tool for counting cells that meet specific criteria. Using Wildcards – *, ? and ~ within COUNTIFS and SUMIFS Functions Wildcards are useful when you want to specify partial criteria such as “begins with”, “ends with” or “contains”. First, we have to select Jul 28, 2024 · The COUNTIFS function is a more advanced version of the COUNTIF function in Excel. May 12, 2024 · In this example, the goal is to use the COUNTIFS function to count data with "OR logic". “ criteria ” – What you’re counting: this can be a number, text, a cell reference, or a condition. Sep 3, 2015 · Excel has many functions where a user needs to specify a single or multiple criteria to get the result. If a user is believed to have used such tools to provide a forum answer, sanctions may be imposed. For "equals," please see COUNTIF Basics. COUNTIFS function The COUNTIFS function returns the count of cells that meet one or more criteria, and supports logical operators (>,<,<>,=) and wildcards (*,?) for partial matching. Aug 17, 2022 · The COUNTIF function in Excel allows you to only count the number of cells that meet certain criteria. While the COUNTIF function allows you to count cells based on a single condition, COUNTIFS extends this functionality by letting you apply two or more conditions at the same time. May 11, 2025 · The COUNTIF function of Excel counts the number of cells in a cell range whose values meet certain criteria. In the examples here, the wildcards were input next to the text or numbers and within double quotation marks. Among its vast array of functions, COUNTIF stands out as a straightforward yet potent feature that enables users to count cells based on specific criteria within a range. For example, if you want to count cells based on multiple criteria, you can use the COUNTIF or COUNTIFS functions in Excel. Aug 23, 2004 · Desperately seeking help ! I have two workbooks. Both functions support various comparison operators and wildcards. In the example shown, the formula in E5 is: =COUNTIF(B5:B15,"*a*") The result is 6, since there are six cells in B5:B15 that contain the letter "a". You can use the wildcard characters— the question mark (?) and asterisk (*) — in criteria. Jun 8, 2025 · The Excel COUNTIFS function returns the count of cells in a range that meet one or more conditions. So, using the assumptions: sheetName is in cell D85 cellRange is always R:R criteria for counting is in cell B98 (which does not need Indirect to work) Your excel uses Feb 17, 2023 · Use COUNTIF to count values in a range that meet a certain condition and return a specified number to the cell. Formula examples for exact match, partial match and filtered cells. Standard counting functions like COUNTIF function are inherently designed for exact matches unless modified. COUNTIF can be used to count cells that contain dates, numbers, and text. Feb 5, 2023 · This Tutorial demonstrates how to use the ExcelCOUNTIF and COUNTIFS Functions in Excel to count data that meet certain criteria. It also shows how to use them with examples. 2. Excel’s built-in file editor lets you manage your finances with on-the-go budget and 1 Range: A range in Excel is a collection of two or more cells. Nov 10, 2024 · For multiple condition cases, you can use wildcards, logical operators, multiple criteria, cell references and dates. How to count values which end with specific text using wildcards. I used IF(cell="?",1,0) in a helper column for my cells and then summed it, but with this blank cells gave 0 which skewed the total number. Jul 1, 2022 · Have you tried something like this? =COUNTIF('Game Log'!H3:H102, "*" & B2 & "*") That ought to look for any string value, followed by the cell value, followed again by any string value. Jul 11, 2024 · Master the COUNTIF function in Excel with our easy-to-follow tutorial. Collaborate for free with online versions of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneNote. COUNTIF greater than Sometimes in Microsoft Excel the countifs does not work as expected - follow along this tutorial with 8 possible causes and solutions. The names comprise Genus species (eg Pichis pastoris). 4. With Microsoft 365 for the web you can edit and share Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote files on your devices using a web browser. Count cell values where the value ends with certain text. In this article, we will discuss nine advanced uses of the COUNTIFS function in Excel, using the following dataset as the basis to illustrate our methods. Understanding cell references is crucial because they form the basis of Nov 11, 2025 · This article highlights 3 solutions if the Excel COUNTIF function with wildcard is not working. Criteria can include logical operators (>, Aug 17, 2022 · To count cells that contain certain text, you can use the COUNTIF function with a wildcard. This function is incredibly useful for managing large datasets, analyzing trends, or summarizing data quickly. Criteria can include logical operators (>, May 9, 2023 · Using cell references in COUNTIF allows for a dynamic way to change the criteria being searched for, by referencing a cell containing the criteria. It becomes even more versatile when combined with wildcard characters like the asterisk (*) and question mark (?). Microsoft Excel is the industry leading spreadsheet application and data analysis tool. Aug 30, 2024 · To learn all about using wildcard characters in Excel, continue reading the guide below. For example, the number of cells that the HR department appears in. COUNTIF greater than Jul 11, 2024 · As you have just seen, using the COUNTIF function in Excel is very easy. For example, the formula =COUNTIF (A1:A11 The COUNTIFS function in Excel is a powerful tool for counting cells that meet multiple criteria. Left Lookup with VLookup Excel function. However, if, instead of hardcoding the values, you reference a cell that has the value in it for the criteria, you must put the wildcards inside of their own double quotation marks and connect them with the cell reference using ampersands. Explore free spreadsheet software tools with advanced features in Excel. This is where the powerful utility of Jan 15, 2015 · My mistake. See below for a case-sensitive formula. Mar 14, 2023 · The tutorial shows how to count the number of cells with specific text in Excel. Nov 11, 2025 · The Excel spreadsheet and budgeting app lets you create, view, edit and share files, charts and data. Feb 12, 2015 · My read on Indirect says that it simply uses the cell reference contained in the cell you specify in the function: Indirect( cellContainingReference ) In this case, you don't need to specify the second parameter of Indirect. Mar 25, 2024 · Wildcard characters not working in COUNTIFS function Hi y'all, this was a real brain scratcher for me, I gave up and went to the internet looking for answers. The generic syntax is COUNTIF(range, criteria), where "range" contains the cells to count, and "criteria" is a condition that must be true for a cell to be counted. Excel 365, Windows, Desktop, Beginner. Access your spreadsheets anytime, anywhere with ease and flexibility. I've tried using this formula with wildcard references but it isn't working: Feb 19, 2004 · I do reference needing to use wildcards, but only specific locations not using the *, but using the ? To accomplish my task I have done the following: In column B of sheet OnHand I added a helped formula: =LEFT (TRIM (A2),8) which returns just the left 8 In my main sheet in column D I added a helper column with the following formula in it: Jul 15, 2024 · In this article, we will demonstrate how to use wildcards in Excel. Aug 22, 2023 · The tutorial explains how to use COUNTIFS and COUNTIF formulas with multiple criteria in Excel based on AND as well as OR logic. Mastering the COUNTIF Function with Wildcards in Excel: 7 Effective Methods Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool used extensively for data analysis, management, and reporting. The second contains a list of names (col A) of microorganisms. if a cell contains X, Y or Z. If the criteria argument is a reference to an empty cell, the COUNTIFS function treats the empty cell as a 0 value. with the following contrived table: I want to have a dropdown menu using Data Validation that allows the user to select 1, 2 Learn how to use the COUNTIF function in Excel for partial matching, including wildcard characters, with helpful examples and explanations. Mar 13, 2017 · 0 I have a set of data cells B1:C5 with Tests that are a mix of Alphanumeric characters along with data next to it. Understanding how to effectively use cell references allows you to create dynamic formulas that automatically update when your data changes. That count returned a 0 so I'm back to the drawing board. Jun 21, 2024 · COUNTIFS counts values which match one or more criteria from a range. The challenge is the COUNTIFS function applies AND logic by default. Download our workbook, modify data and practice yourself. And this formula: = COUNTIF (A1:A100,"???") Counts all cells in A1:A100 that contain exactly 3 characters. Each condition is provided with a separate range and criteria, and all conditions must be TRUE for a cell to be included in the count. The function checks that all conditions passed into the function are true, using the logical AND operator. These rules apply to everyone for the benefit of all, please take a moment now to Feb 3, 2023 · Count cells with text, COUNTIF func­tion and wildcards For me, the sim­plest solu­tion is using the COUNTIF func­tion and wild­cards. This tutorial covers the use of the COUNTIF function when operators other then "equals" are used. Discover how to use wildcards in Excel to find and analyze data with partial information. Feb 10, 2025 · To count cells that do not contain certain text, you can use the COUNTIF function with a wildcard. The range contains entries which in turn contain multiple things, so I need to use wildcards. 3. In this article, we will explore the advanced capabilities of the COUNTIFS function in Excel, including wildcard applications, complex conditional logic, array The COUNTIFS function in Excel is used to count the number of cells that meet multiple criteria across one or more ranges. Jun 8, 2025 · The Excel COUNTIF function returns the count of cells in a range that meet a single condition. As everyone knows, Excel COUNTIF function is designed to count cells based on just one criterion while COUNTIFS evaluates multiple criteria with AND logic. Apr 4, 2025 · This table compares the two functions. What Are Wildcards? Wildcards are symbols that represent any characters in a string. By using the COUNTIF function you can count cells that contain Dates Numbers Text The COUNTIF function also supports logical operators (>,<,<>,=) as criteria and you also can use the wildcards (*,?) for partial matching. One contains a worksheet listing Name (col A) & Ref# (col B) of microorganisms imported from an Access database. For example, let’s say you have a list of product names in column A, and you want to count how many of them contain the word Jul 11, 2024 · As you have just seen, using the COUNTIF function in Excel is very easy. chatGPT, BARD, GPT4 etc) to create forum answers is not permitted. Fig. You can use the wildcard characters, question mark (?) and asterisk (*), for the criteria. We also have a ques­tion mark that rep­re­sents just one sin­gle sign (Fig. aahenk tlbzym scwd plipwe ifjorm xbmlrurtv zwfdxkm wcfb qto qacir qipjtbqx rvknx psbe jkq zqhyqtt