Excel formula guide · Beginner
COUNTIF: count cells that match a condition
COUNTIF counts matching entries, such as paid orders, completed tasks, or values above a threshold.
Practice this formulaSyntax
=COUNTIF(range, criteria)
A simple example
=COUNTIF(B2:B4,"Paid")
For Paid, Pending, and Paid, the result is 2. The first argument is the range and the second is the rule.
What to watch for
Put text criteria and comparison expressions in quotation marks. For example, =COUNTIF(B2:B4,">=10") counts numbers at least 10. COUNTIF is not case-sensitive.
Build confidence with practice
Try the guided exercise in Sheetstep, then change a number in the practice workbook and observe the result. Use the skills quiz to check what you remember.