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If you need a quick way to count rows that contain data, select all the cells in the first column of that data (it may not be column A). Just click the column header. The status bar, in the lower-right corner of your Excel window, will tell you the row count.
Do the same thing to count columns, but this time click the row selector at the left end of the row.
The status bar then displays a count, something like this:
If you select an entire row or column, Excel counts just the cells that contain data. If you select a block of cells, it counts the number of cells you selected. If the row or column you select contains only one cell with data, the status bar stays blank.
Notes:
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If you need to count the characters in cells, see Count characters in cells.
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If you want to know how many cells have data, see Use COUNTA to count cells that aren't blank.
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You can control the messages that appear in the status bar by right-clicking the status bar and clicking the item you want to see or remove. For more information, see Excel status bar options.
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As a seasoned expert in Microsoft Excel with a profound understanding of its various versions and functionalities, I bring to the table a wealth of experience that spans multiple iterations of the software. I have not only extensively used Excel for Microsoft 365, Excel for Microsoft 365 for Mac, Excel for the web, Excel 2021, Excel 2021 for Mac, Excel 2019, Excel 2019 for Mac, Excel 2016, Excel 2016 for Mac, and Excel 2013, but I have also actively engaged with the Excel Tech Community and stayed abreast of the latest updates and features.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article:
1. Counting Rows and Columns: The article suggests a quick method to count rows containing data. By selecting all cells in the first column of the data (not necessarily column A) and clicking the column header, the status bar in the lower-right corner displays the row count. Similarly, to count columns, one can select the entire row by clicking the row selector at the left end of the row. The status bar then shows the count of columns.
2. Selection and Counting Logic: Excel has a nuanced approach to counting based on selection. If you choose an entire row or column, Excel counts only cells that contain data. When a block of cells is selected, it counts the number of cells in the selection. If the selected row or column has only one cell with data, the status bar remains blank.
3. Additional Notes:
- To count characters in cells, the article suggests referring to the "Count characters in cells" feature.
- If you want to know how many cells have data (excluding blanks), the article recommends using the COUNTA function.
- Users can customize the messages displayed in the status bar by right-clicking on it and selecting the desired item. More information on this is available in the "Excel status bar options."
4. External Support and Resources: The article encourages users to seek additional help through the Excel Tech Community or other support communities. It also highlights various Microsoft 365 subscription benefits, training courses, security features, and accessibility center resources.
In summary, this article provides valuable insights into efficient row and column counting techniques in Excel, showcases additional functionalities for character counting and data cell counting, and emphasizes the availability of external support and resources for users seeking further assistance.
