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MS Excel: How to use the DCOUNTA Function (WS)

This Excel tutorial explains how to use the Excel DCOUNTA function with syntax and examples.

Description

The Microsoft Excel DCOUNTA function returns the number of cells in a column or database that contains nonblank values and meets a given criteria.

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

Syntax

The syntax for the DCOUNTA function in Microsoft Excel is:

DCOUNTA( range, field, criteria )

Parameters or Arguments

range
The range of cells that you want to apply the criteria against.
field
The column to count the values. You can either specify the numerical position of the column in the list or the column label in double quotation marks.
criteria
The range of cells that contains your criteria.

Returns

The DCOUNTA function returns a numeric value.

Applies To

  • Excel for Office 365, Excel 2019, Excel 2016, Excel 2013, Excel 2011 for Mac, Excel 2010, Excel 2007, Excel 2003, Excel XP, Excel 2000

Type of Function

  • Worksheet function (WS)

Example (as Worksheet Function)

Let's look at some Excel DCOUNTA function examples and explore how to use the DCOUNTA function as a worksheet function in Microsoft Excel:

Microsoft Excel

Based on the Excel spreadsheet above, the following DCOUNTA examples would return:

=DCOUNTA(A4:D8, "Unit Cost", A1:B2)
Result: 2

=DCOUNTA(A4:D8, 3, A1:B2)
Result: 2

=DCOUNTA(A4:D8, "Quantity", A1:A2)
Result: 3

=DCOUNTA(A4:D8, 2, A1:A2)
Result: 3

Using Named Ranges

You can also use a named range in the DCOUNTA function. A named range is a descriptive name for a collection of cells or range in a worksheet. If you are unsure of how to setup a named range in your spreadsheet, read our tutorial on Adding a Named Range.

For example, we've created a named range called orders that refers to Sheet1!$A$4:$D$8.

Microsoft Excel

Then we've entered the following data in Excel:

Microsoft Excel

Based on the Excel spreadsheet above, the following DCOUNTA examples would return:

=DCOUNTA(orders, "Total Cost", A1:B2)
Result: 2

=DCOUNTA(orders, 4, A1:B2)
Result: 2

To view named ranges: Under the Insert menu, select Name > Define.

Microsoft Excel

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