What you will build

Count rows whose Status is Paid and return 3.

Learning objective

Enter the formula in a blank output area, understand every argument, compare the result with the visible source data and diagnose range or criterion mistakes.

Open the practice workbook

Use the sample below and keep the full source table visible while checking the result.

HANDS-ON PRACTICE

Practice in your own copy

Make your own Google Sheets copy with the same data, formulas, formatting, filter and frozen header. The original remains unchanged.

Make a Google Sheets copy (access required) ↗View original

Sign in to Google. If the original is not publicly shared, download the full workbook and import it into Google Sheets, or paste the example data into your own sheet.

The _result workbook shows the complete clean source table before entering the formula.

Open the sample workbook in Google Drive (access required) ↗

Hands-on practice

Step 1: Choose a blank summary cell such as H2 and enter =COUNTIF(F2:F6,"Paid").

=COUNTIF(F2:F6,"Paid")
The result cell is selected, the formula bar shows the real formula, and the complete source table remains visible.
After changing a referenced source value for the test and restoring it, the result cell returns to its original value.

Step 2: Compare the returned result with the visible source rows before using it in a report.

Checkpoint

FormulaVerified result
=COUNTIF(F2:F6,"Paid")3

Verified against the visible sample data.

Common mistakes and fixes

Correction: return to the exact range and command named in the steps, then compare the live sheet with the Formula, Verified result source fields.

Independent practice

Change one relevant input deliberately, predict the new result first, verify it in Sheets, then restore the original sample.

Key takeaways

  • ✓Complete “COUNTIF function” using the visible Formula, Verified result sample so each action and the final state can be checked against the source data.
  • ✓Choose a blank summary cell such as H2 and enter =COUNTIF(F2:F6,"Paid").
  • ✓Compare the returned result with the visible source rows before using it in a report.
  • ✓If the result differs, repeat “Choose a blank summary cell such as H2 and enter =COUNTIF(F2:F6,"Paid").” and then “Compare the returned result with the visible source rows before using it in a report.”. Verify the working table still uses Formula, Verified result before changing source values.
  • ✓Change one relevant input deliberately, predict the new result first, verify it in Sheets, then restore the original sample.
QUICK CHECK

Check your understanding

Answer four questions about the practice sheet.

1. What is the correct first action in “COUNTIF function”?
2. Which follow-up action belongs to “COUNTIF function”?
3. What should you verify before “COUNTIF function” is complete?
4. Which correction is appropriate if “COUNTIF function” behaves unexpectedly?

Continue learning

Next lesson: COUNTIFS function.