How to use the DCOUNTA Function in Excel

In this article, we will learn about how to use the DCOUNTA function in Excel. 

DCOUNTA function is built-in database function in Excel. The DCOUNTA function returns the Count of the values from the sample database having multiple conditions. Conditions to the function is given using a table, which must have the same fields or headers as on the database.

DCOUNTA function returns the Count of the field based on given multiple criteria. The DCOUNTA function takes criteria as a table having the same fields as on the database. 

Syntax:

database : database

field : the required field, call by name or text in quotes.

Criteria : one or more conditions taken as table array.

EXAMPLE:

This all might be confusing to you so lets gear up and understand the DCOUNTA function using it in an example.

Database

Table

Here we have a list of Products bought with their respective details  & We need to get the Count from the TotalPrice based on criterias mentioned in the table

There are some things you have to take care of when using this function

1. Database and criteria table should have same fields.
2. Formula must be used in any other cell than criteria area.

First condition is City : Boston

Second condition is Product : Carrot

So the function must return the Count of the Carrot (Product) bought from Boston (city)

Use the formula for the above condition:

A1 : F15 : database 

"TotalPrice" : field by text in quotes or field can be input as 4 (4th column from the database).

A17 : F18 : criteria as table array

The Count of the values comes out to be 2 (marked yellow) .

DCOUNTA function can have multiple criteria on one field by adding rows in the table

Now we will take an example taking multiple criteria on the same database.

Here we have multiple conditions on the field Quantity i.e. less than 100 & greater than 50 units bought from Los Angeles. We need to get the Count of TotalPrice having the conditions stated in the snapshot.

Use the formula for the above condition:

A1 : F15 : database 

"TotalPrice" : field by text in quotes or field can be input as 6 (6th column from the database).

A17 : F19 : multiple criteria by adding one row in table array

The Count of the values comes out to be 3 (marked yellow) .

You don’t need to edit the formula every time as criteria field gets updated as soon as  you provide the input to table fields.

Notes:

1. Wildcards keys ( * , ? , ~ ) can be used with the DCOUNTA function.
2. The function returns an error if any field value is incorrect.
3. If data represents a sample, use the DCOUNTA function. DCOUNTA function is used to calculate the Count for numerical values only. 
4. Criteria field can have more than one row count to satisfy multiple criteria.

As you can see the DCOUNTA function in excel returns values from the table field.

Hope you understood How to use the DCOUNTA function in Excel. Explore more articles on Mathematical functions like VAR and VARP functions here. Please state your query or feedback in the comment box below.

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