Question

Excel can provide data analysis when you need to evaluate multiple conditions within one formula. One such example includes using nested statements. Someone might attempt to explain nested statements to a friend by giving the example of a Russian nesting doll, wherein different pieces of the function fit together to create one formula that yields a specific result.

There is a learning principal that states that being able to explain a topic to someone using non technical terms or an analogy demonstrates a true understanding of that topic. With that being said, share with the class how you would explain the function COUNTA to someone who is unfamiliar with Excel. Try not to explain how it works in Excel technically or how to perform the function, but relate it to something that can be easily understood, like the aforementioned Russian nesting doll analogy. Be creative and have fun!

Answer 1

The Microsoft Excel COUNTA function counts the number of cells that are not empty as well as the number of value arguments provided.

The COUNTA function is a built-in function in Excel that is categorized as a Statistical Function. It can be used as a worksheet function (WS) in Excel. As a worksheet function, the COUNTA function can be entered as part of a formula in a cell of a worksheet.

The Excel COUNTA function returns the count of cells that contain numbers, text, logical values, error values, and empty text (""). COUNTA does not count empty cells.

Syntax

=COUNTA (value1, [value2], ...)

=COUNTA (first cellname :Last cellname)

Arguments

value1 - An item, cell reference, or range.

value2 - [optional] An item, cell reference, or range.

Example

=COUNTA(C2:C7)

Result: 3    'Number of students with a grade in Math

=COUNTA(D2:D7)

Result: 2    'Number of students with a grade in Biology

=COUNTA(E2:E7)

Result: 4    'Number of students with a grade in Chemistry