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DCOUNT.

Counts the numeric cells in a database column that match criteria.

SyntaxArgumentsExampleInteractive SandboxGeneratorCompatibilityFAQRelatedCheat Sheet
Category: Database
ExcelExcel 365Excel 2021Excel 2019Google Sheets

How it works.

DCOUNT counts how many records contain numbers in a database column that satisfy criteria defined in a separate criteria range.

Formula syntax.

Standard Excel Notation
=DCOUNT(database, field, criteria)
Tip:Arguments wrapped in square brackets [like_this] are optional; all other arguments are required.

Formula arguments.

Every parameter accepted by the DCOUNT function is detailed below.

databaseRequired

The database range including headers.

Example value: A1:C5
fieldRequired

Column name or index number to count.

Example value: "Units"
criteriaRequired

Criteria table containing headers and filter rules.

Example value: E1:E2

Simple example.

Step-by-Step Scenario

Order Tracking - High Volume Count

Count number of orders with sales exceeding 150.

RepRegionSalesCriteria SalesOrder Count
AliceEast100>150—
BobWest200——
CharlieEast300——
Applied Formula
=DCOUNT(A1:C5, "Sales", E1:E2)
Expected Result:2

Evaluates DCOUNT over the sample table cells, placing the verified output in cell E2.

Formula generator.

Full Generator Wizard

Customize the argument fields below to generate a tailored DCOUNT formula ready to paste directly into your worksheet.

Generated FormulaReady to copy
=DCOUNT()

Expected result behavior.

Returns number 2 based on sample evaluation criteria and active cell references.

Sample Output:2
Output Type:Numeric (Double/Integer)

Best Practices

  • Use DCOUNTA if your target field contains text values instead of numbers.

Common Mistakes

  • DCOUNT ignores text cells in the counted column.
Compatibility Database

Platform & version compatibility.

Verified platform compatibility matrix based on actual spreadsheet calculation engine specifications.

Excel✓
Supported
Excel 365✓
Supported
Excel 2021✓
Supported
Excel 2019✓
Supported
Google Sheets✓
Supported
Microsoft Excel History & Version Availability

Core standard function supported across all modern and legacy Microsoft Excel versions (365, 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010), as well as Excel for the Web and Mac.

Google Sheets Compatibility Notes

100% compatible with Google Sheets. Uses identical argument order, data types, and standard calculation logic.

Frequently asked questions.

Technical Q&A
Can I use DCOUNT across different worksheets in Excel?↓

Yes. You can reference cells located on other sheets by including the sheet name followed by an exclamation mark, for example: =DCOUNT(Sheet2!A2:A10). If the sheet name contains spaces, enclose it in single quotes: ='Q1 Report'!A2:A10.

What is the most common reason for errors in DCOUNT?↓

DCOUNT ignores text cells in the counted column.

Does DCOUNT work identically in Google Sheets?↓

Yes, DCOUNT is supported in both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets with standard evaluation behavior.