The COUNT Function in Excel

The COUNT function is a powerful tool in Microsoft Excel that enables users to count the number of cells within a range that contains numerical values. It is particularly useful when dealing with large datasets or when you want to quickly determine the number of entries that meet specific criteria. In this lecture, we will explore the syntax of the COUNT function and provide examples using demo data.

Syntax:
The syntax for the COUNT function is as follows:

=COUNT(value1, [value2], …)

The COUNT function can accept one or more arguments, separated by commas. Each argument represents a range or value that you want to count.

Examples:

Example 1:
Let’s consider a simple example where we have a list of students and their respective test scores. We want to count the number of students who scored above 80.

| A | B |
|——–|———|
| Name | Score |
| John | 75 |
| Sara | 92 |
| Mark | 81 |
| Emma | 78 |
| David | 86 |

COUNT

COUNT(value1, value2, …)

• value1, value2, …: These are the values or ranges that you want to count. You can include up to 255 arguments, which can be individual cells, cell references, or ranges separated by commas.

Note: The COUNT function ignores any text or empty cells within the specified range. It only considers cells that contain numbers or dates.

COUNT(A2:B6)

This formula counts the number of cells within the range A2:B6 that contain numeric values.

It returns the value 5 which is the number of numerical values in the range.

COUNTIF

To count the number of students who scored above 80, we can use the COUNT function as follows:

=COUNTIF(B2:B6, “>80”)

Explanation:
– B2:B6: This represents the range of cells containing the scores.
– “>80”: This is the criteria we want to apply, i.e., scores greater than 80.

The COUNTIF function counts the number of cells within the specified range (B2:B6) that meet the given criteria (>80).

Result: The COUNTIF function will return the value 3 since there are three students who scored above 80.

Example 2:

COUNTA

Now, let’s consider a scenario where we have a dataset with missing values represented by blank cells. We want to count the number of non-blank cells in a given range.

| A | B |
|——–|———|
| Name | Score |
| John | 75 |
| Sara | |
| Mark | 81 |
| Emma | |
| David | 86 |

To count the number of non-blank cells in the range B2:B6, we can use the COUNTA function as follows:

=COUNTA(B2:B6)

Explanation:
– B2:B6: This represents the range of cells for which we want to count the non-blank cells.

The COUNTA function counts the number of non-blank cells within the specified range (B2:B6).

Result: The COUNT function will return the value 3since there are three non-blank cells in the range.

Microsoft Excel Certification Traininig

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Microsoft Excel certification exam MO-210

Microsoft Excel certification exam MO-210 is a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exam that measures a candidate’s ability to use Microsoft Excel 2022 and later to create and manage worksheets and workbooks, create cells and ranges, create tables, apply formulas and functions, and create charts and objects.

The exam is 120 minutes long and consists of 75 multiple-choice questions. The passing score is 700.

Exam requirements

To be successful on the exam, candidates should have the following skills:

• Create and manage worksheets and workbooks
• Create cells and ranges
• Create tables
• Apply formulas and functions
• Create charts and objects

Candidates can prepare for the exam by taking a Microsoft-approved training course or by using self-study resources such as books, online tutorials, and practice exams.

The exam fee is $100.

The Microsoft Excel certification exam MO-210 is a valuable credential for anyone who wants to demonstrate their skills in using Microsoft Excel. The certification can help candidates improve their job prospects and earn higher salaries.

Benefits of taking the exam

Here are some of the benefits of getting certified in Microsoft Excel:

• Increased job opportunities: Employers are increasingly looking for employees with Microsoft Excel skills. Certification can help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting hired.
• Higher salaries: Certified Microsoft Excel professionals earn higher salaries than non-certified professionals. According to a study by PayScale, the average salary for a certified Microsoft Excel professional is $80,000 per year.
• Improved career prospects: Certification can help you advance your career and take on more challenging and rewarding roles.
• Increased confidence: Certification can give you the confidence you need to use Microsoft Excel effectively in your work.

If you are interested in getting certified in Microsoft Excel, I encourage you to check out the Microsoft Excel certification exam MO-210. It is a valuable credential that can help you improve your job prospects, earn higher salaries, and advance your career.

At Data Analytics Training and Advisory Services we offer training to prepare you for the MO 210 Examinantion. Our training is designed to help you pass without much fuss.

Contact us to enrol for training

Microsoft Excel Certification Training

Why learn Excel?

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Why learn Excel?

Why learn Excel in the first place? Microsoft Excel training courses have become increasingly popular in recent years due to the growing need for users to be able to understand and use the software proficiently. Enrolling in formal training helps you learn the different elements faster than if you discover them as you go. Learning how to use Microsoft Excel not only allows you to carry out complex data analysis more quickly and accurately, but also saves you time on other tasks such as creating spreadsheets or graphs.

Boosting your resume

Furthermore, the knowledge you gain from formal training courses can also help boost your resume, showing potential employers that you have a strong understanding of computer software. With the range of benefits that come with taking a Microsoft Excel training course, it is easy to see why such courses are becoming increasingly popular. This is particularly true in the current technological climate, where most employers prefer applicants to have at least a basic understanding of computer software.

Practical skills

Taking a Microsoft Excel course not only allows you to create complex data analysis faster and more accurately, but also gives you the ability to quickly and efficiently create spreadsheets or graphs. Having a comprehensive knowledge of the Microsoft Excel software can thus prove to be very beneficial for potential employees, since it allows them to demonstrate their skills and competence in data management.

Productivity

Additionally, mastering the use of Microsoft Excel is not just advantageous for prospective employees; it is also beneficial for those who are already employed. Being able to effectively utilize the Microsoft Excel software can help employees better manage their data, improve their workflow and productivity, and stay ahead of the curve. It can also give employers confidence in their employee’s ability to successfully handle large data sets and keep up with the latest technology. Therefore, having a deep understanding of the Microsoft Excel software is an invaluable asset in today’s professional environment.

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10 Excel Functions You Must Know

10 Microsoft Excel functions you must know:

(1) XLOOKUP

(2) Wildcards

(3) Sparklines

(4) Filter

(5) Pivot Tables

(6) IF

(7) SUMIFS

(8) COUNTIFS

(9) Transpose

(10) TRIM

(1) XLOOKUP:

XLookup is an upgrade compared to VLOOKUP or Index & Match.

Use the XLOOKUP function to find things in a table or range by row.

Formula: =XLOOKUP (lookup value, lookup array, return array)

(2) Wildcards:

A wildcard is a special character that allows you to perform partial matches in your Excel formulas. Excel has three wildcards: • asterisk “*” • question mark “?” • tilde “~”

(3) Sparklines:

Sparklines allow you to insert mini graphs inside a cell to provide a visual representation of data. Use sparklines to show trends or patterns in data. On the ‘Insert tab’, click ‘Sparklines’

(4) Filter:

The FILTER function allows you to filter data based on a query. For example, you can filter a column to show a specific product or date.

You can also sort in ascending or descending order.

The shortcut for this function is CTRL + SHFT + L

5) Pivot Tables:

A powerful tool to calculate, summarize & analyze data, which allows you to compare or find patterns & trends in data. To access this function, go to “Insert” in the Menu bar, and then select “Pivot Table”

(6) IF:

The IF function makes logical comparisons & tells you when certain conditions are met.

For example, a logical comparison would be to return the word “Pass” if a score is >70, and if not, it will say “Fail” An example of this formula would be =IF(C5>70,”Pass”,”Fail”)

(7) SUMIFS:

SUMIFS sum the values in a range that meet multiple criteria.

For example, use it if you want the sum of two criteria, for example, Apples from Pete. The formula is SUMIFS (sum_range, criteria_range1, criteria1, [criteria_range2, criteria2], …)

(9) Transpose:

This will transform items in rows, to instead be shown in columns or vice versa.

To transpose a column to a row: • Select the data in the column • Select the cell you want the row to start • Right click, choose to paste special, select transpose

(10) TRIM:

TRIM removes the extra spaces in data.

TRIM can be useful in removing irregular spacing from imported data =TRIM()

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7 tools every Excel user must know

7 tools every Excel user must know were selected and presented by experts to help you get more out of excel.  7 tools which are set to improve your productivity and make you love excel more and more.

1. Slicers

Being able to quickly drill down into data is critical when analyzing. Instead of applying filters manually, add slicers to the data by navigating to the Insert tab > Slicers > select what you want to filter the data by and hit OK. Now just click any button to filter!

2. Power Query

Importing data into Excel never is as easy as it seems. Luckily, Power Query is here to fix that. Power Query imports data from various sources into Excel. So instead of copying data from the web, go to Data > From Web > enter URL > select the table and hit load.

3. Data types

Say goodbye to google searching and hello to data types. Data types pull in real-time data directly into your workbook. To create data types, select the data > Data tab > Select the data category. Now, you can select the data attributes you want to pull into Excel.

4. Named Ranges

Naming data will not only make your life easier when writing formulas but also make your formulas easier to understand. To name data, select the data > press CTRL SHIFT F3 > check where the headers are and press OK. Now you can reference the data by its name!

5. Custom Lists

If you enter recurring lists repeatedly, this one’s for you. You can create a custom list that Excel will recognize and autofill for you. Go to File > Options > Advanced > Edit Custom Lists > Import List > OK. Now, enter any value and fill with the fill handle.

7. Sparklines

Stay on top of (Excel) trends with sparklines. A sparkline is a mini line chart that visually represents data trends. To insert them, press ALT N SL > select the data range you want to visualize and hit okay. Lastly, fill the sparklines down using the fill handle.

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Jobs where Excel skills will pay you handsomely

Jobs where Excel skills will pay you handsomely are probably the main reason why you should master Excel. The basic spreadsheet may hold the secret to the profession you want, whether you are currently an Excel pro or still have a ways to go. The demand for basic computer abilities in middle-skill professions has significantly increased over the past two years, according to 27 million job advertisements on various recruitment portals. This includes desirable skills for employers like word processing and of course, mastery of spreadsheets.

According to a survey by Capital One and Burning Glass Technologies, having these abilities is not only necessary for the vast majority (82%) of middle-skill professions, but it also opens the door for people without university degrees to high-paying careers.

Excel’s interface may appear straightforward and familiar to everyone, but behind are strength and sophistication that, 30 years after its introduction, are still unsurpassed. Because of this, anyone who wishes to advance in their career should have solid Excel skills. In fact, a sizable percentage of occupations require Excel, according to thousands of job advertisements. This extensive selection may contain the ideal option for you:

Accountants and auditors

These people may have been in mind when Excel was created, with the traditional accounting ledger serving as the basis for spreadsheets. To keep businesses profitable, these experts produce and carefully examine cash flows, income statements, balance sheets, and tax reports. Without a college degree, getting this job would be next to impossible, but having solid Excel accounting abilities and certifications can put you in a better position for leadership positions and promotions.

Administrative assistants, office clerks, information staff

Business operations are facilitated by administrative assistants, who include secretaries and other general office clerks. They set up appointments, handle records, arrange paperwork, create reports, and assist workers, clients, and guests. They frequently use spreadsheet programs like Excel and word processing applications.

Business, management, and market analysts

Business analysts can use a potent Excel function called PowerPivot to extract more insightful information from vast amounts of data and this tool was made specifically for them. These experts support their firms’ strategic business decisions, particularly when it comes to market trends, competitive environments, and long-term profitability. To develop projections, identify strengths, weaknesses, and other patterns, they examine both historical and current data.

Cost estimators

Cost estimators are the best resource for getting the most value for your money. To provide precise estimates of the sum of money, time, and labor needed for a particular project, cost estimators frequently collaborate with project managers and engineers. Excel is used to input all necessary information and perform automatic computations for benchmark amounts.

Educators, teaching assistants, and teachers

In addition to their subject-specific expertise, educators must be adept in planning their classes, monitoring student attendance, and creating lesson plans. The majority of teachers can complete these activities using Excel’s features and support system, making them proficient users of general spreadsheets. Excel is a very important tool for many teachers in their assignments as well as graduate and postgraduate research, in addition to helping them keep track of their students’ contact information.

Financial analysts, investment bankers, and loan officers

Excel is a favored app among financial analysts, bankers, and other money-focused professionals because of its grasp of money.

Financial analysts assist people and businesses in making wise loan or investment decisions. Although they employ a plethora of financial software, spreadsheets are among the most effective tools for analyzing various financial data sets. Excel has therefore become a requirement for this position.

Market research analysts and digital marketers

Data science is at the centre of hard core marketing. Professional market researchers rely on their abilities at acquiring, processing, and analyzing field data, drawing on both creative and analytical thinking. These employees rely on Excel spreadsheets to compile and analyze their research. To reach and convert audiences, marketers look for new market opportunities and employ a variety of tactics, including search engine optimization (SEO). To persuade executives of the effectiveness and return on investment of suggested initiatives, they also employ charts, graphs, and other data visualizations.

Project managers, project coordinators, and construction managers

Project managers can be found in a variety of industries, with the construction and IT sectors dominating. They organize, coordinate, and oversee the creation of software or the construction of various structures. They establish standards, allocate responsibilities to workers, control expenses, and zealously maintain timeliness and budget compliance. Microsoft Excel is one of the main tools they regularly utilize, even if they frequently employ specialist software, to handle a variety of jobs quickly.

Sales, marketing, training and administrative managers

Given that both sales and marketing are referred to as “numbers games,” it is evident that they incorporate numbers. Spreadsheet software follows numbers wherever they go. While planning, scheduling, and organizing various tasks and resources, frequently with associated budgets and timestamps, are necessary for administration and training. Excel naturally helps make sense of everything when time and money are important. Managers rely on Excel to carry out their primary duties, which range from market research and inventory management to financial modeling and data analysis.

The list is not exhaustive but a good illustration of why everyone needs to learn Excel.

10 must know Excel shortcuts

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10 Excel shortcuts you must know

1. CTRL E

CTRL E makes complicated tasks easier than ever, thanks to Flash Fill. Flash Fill automatically fills data down a column based on detected patterns. Just enter how you want the data to appear, hit CTRL E, and Excel will fill the pattern down the column in a flash.

2. ALT =

Let Excel do the math for you with this shortcut! ALT = detects data in adjacent cells and automatically sums it using the SUM function. Just select an empty cell adjacent to the data that needs to be added and press ALT =.

3. ALT H O I

If you are unable to see your data, ALT H O I is here to help! Press ALT H O I to automatically adjust the column widths to fit the size of your data.

4. ALT ↓

If you are entering repetitive data in Excel, ALT ↓ is a must-know shortcut. The Alt ↓ shortcut displays a dropdown list of all values previously entered in the column. Now, you can simply select any value, which will automatically be entered into the active cell!

5. CTRL `

When cranking out formulas in Excel, checking each one individually in the formula bar can be tedious. Instead, try the CTRL ` shortcut! CTRL ` toggles between displaying the cells’ formulas and values in the active worksheet.

6. CTRL ENTER

Dragging formulas down columns and then again across rows can be a drag. Say goodbye to the fill handle and hello to CTRL ENTER! CTRL ENTER fills the active cell’s contents into selected cells. Note: The active cell has to be in editing mode for this to work.

7. CTRL T

Start getting into the routine of using Tables with CTRL T. CTRL T converts data to an Excel Table. Tables are a powerful tool that clean up formatting, auto-fill formulas down columns, automatically expand and update linked charts when new rows are added, and more!

8. ALT F1

If you are spending too much time creating charts to visualize data, meet ALT F1. These two magical keys automatically create a bar chart using the selected data and insert it right into the active worksheet!

9. ALT W VG

Are you team gridlines or no gridlines? If you’re team no gridlines, this ones for you. The ALT W VG shortcut removes all gridlines from the active worksheet.

10. CTRL SHIFT L

Last but not least, CTRL SHIFT L. CTRL SHIFT L makes analyzing large data sets a little easier by adding the Sort & Filter toggles to the top row of the data set, so you can quickly sort and filter data.

Like these shortcuts and want more? You can learn much more about Excel shortcuts and tricks by attending our training courses.

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