How to Count Blank – Empty Cells in Microsoft Excel
The only thing worse than incorrect data in your spreadsheet is missing data.
If you want to count the number of blank or empty cells in Microsoft Excel, we’ll show you two quick and easy methods.
By using a function, you can keep the number of blank cells parked in your sheet. This way, if you change your data, that count will adjust.
If you prefer to simply see a fast count of empty cells, you can use Excel’s built-in Find feature. Let’s take a look at both.
Count Blank Cells Using a Function
The COUNT function in Microsoft Excel is handy for many scenarios. So with a variation of that function, you can count empty cells easily. The function is COUNTBLANK and here’s how to use it.
Note: While the COUNTBLANK function in Google Sheets ignores cells that are empty (containing an empty string, ""
), Excel’s version of the function does not make this distinction. Thus, COUNTBLANK will return a count of both blank and empty cells.
Select the cell where you want to insert the function.
This is the same cell that will display the count of blank cells. Type the following formula into the cell replacing the cell range with your own and hit Enter.
=COUNTBLANK(B2:F12)
You should then see the number of empty cells in the range you selected for the formula.
If you want to adjust the cell range, this is also simple. Click the cell containing the function, go up to the Formula Bar, and place your cursor within the cell range.
You can manually change the cell references in the range or drag in or out on the blue box. Then, press Enter.
You can also combine the COUNTBLANK function with itself to count the number of blank cells in different cell ranges of the same workbook.
Type the following formula into the cell replacing the cell ranges with your own and press Enter.
=COUNTBLANK(B2:F12)+COUNTBLANK(J2:N12)
Notice the cell ranges for each set are outlined in a different color making them easy to edit if needed.
And you get the total count in one cell for both sets of cell ranges.
If you use colors to differentiate data, you may also find it useful to count colored cells in your spreadsheet.
Count Blank Cells Using the Find Feature
If you would rather not keep a formula in your sheet, but merely see a quick count of blank cells, use the Find feature.
Select the cells that include the blanks you want to find. Go to the Home tab and click the Find & Select drop-down arrow in the Editing section of the ribbon. Choose “Find.”
When the Find and Replace window opens, leave the Find What box blank. Then, click “Options” to expand the section at the bottom.
Adjust the three drop-down boxes on the left side to use the following:
- Within: Sheet
- Search: By Rows or By Columns (per your preference)
- Look In: Values
When you’re ready, click “Find All.” You’ll then see the number of cells found on the bottom left of the window.
You’ll also see a list of those empty cells in your sheet. You can click one to go directly to it or click “Find Next” to move to each of the results in the list one at a time.
Click “Close” when you finish.
Undeniably believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the net
the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get irked
while people think about worries that they plainly do not
know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined
out the whole thing without having side effect , people could take
a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks
Hi there friends, its impressive piece of writing on the topic
of tutoringand completely defined, keep it up all the time.
I just could not depart your site before suggesting that I actually enjoyed the usual info a person supply for your visitors?
Is gonna be back steadily in order to check out new posts
Its such as you learn my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the e book in it or something.
I feel that you simply can do with a few percent
to drive the message home a little bit, however instead of that, that is excellent blog.
An excellent read. I’ll definitely be back.
Ahaa, its pleasant dialogue regarding this article here at this
webpage, I have read all that, so now me also commenting here.
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts.
After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!