How to Count Cells With Text in Google Sheets
Use =COUNTIF(A2:A,"*") to count every cell that contains text — the asterisk matches any string, while numbers and blanks are skipped.
=COUNTIF(A2:A,"*")
The * wildcard matches any text string, so this counts cells that hold text and ignores numbers, dates and empties.
How it works
COUNTIF counts cells that match a criterion. The wildcard * means “any sequence of characters,” so "*" matches any non-empty text value. Numbers are not text, so they are excluded automatically. To count a specific word put it between wildcards — "*total*" — which finds the word anywhere inside the cell. Wildcards are case-insensitive in COUNTIF.
Variations
Count cells containing a specific word
=COUNTIF(A2:A,"*invoice*")
Matches any cell with the word invoice anywhere in it.
Count cells that are exactly a value
=COUNTIF(A2:A,"Paid")
No wildcard = an exact, whole-cell match.
Count non-empty cells (text or number)
=COUNTA(A2:A)
COUNTA counts anything that is not blank, numbers included.
Examples
| Scenario | Formula |
|---|---|
| How many rows have a status typed in | =COUNTIF(D2:D,"*") |
| How many notes mention 'urgent' | =COUNTIF(E2:E,"*urgent*") |
FAQ
How do I count cells that contain only numbers?
Use =COUNT(A2:A). COUNT tallies numeric cells, the mirror image of counting text with COUNTIF(range,"*").
Does COUNTIF(range,"*") count numbers stored as text?
Yes. If a number was imported as text it behaves like a string and the * wildcard will match it. Convert with VALUE() if you want it treated as a number.
Is the wildcard match case-sensitive?
No. COUNTIF ignores case. For case-sensitive counting use SUMPRODUCT with EXACT.