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Quick Answer

COUNTBLANK Function

COUNTBLANK returns the count of completely blank cells in a range.

✓ Excel✓ Google SheetsExcel All versions

Syntax

COUNTBLANK
(range)

Parameters

ParameterDescriptionRequired
rangeThe range of cells to check for blank cells.Required

Basic Example

Count blank cells in a data range

=COUNTBLANK(A1:A10)
Result3

Counts how many cells in A1:A10 are completely empty.

Advanced Examples

Example 1: Calculate completion rate

Progress tracking

Determine what percentage of cells have been filled in

=1 - COUNTBLANK(A1:A100)/COUNTA(A1:A100)
Result: 85%
Subtracts the blank count from the total to get the completion percentage.

How COUNTBLANK Works

COUNTBLANK scans each cell in the range and counts it only if it is completely empty. Cells containing formulas (even those returning empty strings) are not counted as blank.

1
Select output cell
Choose where the result should appear.
2
Enter formula
Type =COUNTBLANK(range).
3
Press Enter
The result shows the number of blank cells.

Important Notes & Limitations

  • Cells with formulas that return "" are not counted as blank.

  • Cells with only spaces are not counted as blank.

Common Errors & Fixes

0No blank cells found

Fix: Verify your data range.

Download Practice File

Practice COUNTBLANK with Real Data

Download a sample CSV file with pre-populated data and practice exercises for the COUNTBLANK function. Works in both Excel and Google Sheets.

Works in Google SheetsCompatible with ExcelIncludes exercises

File format: CSV (comma-separated values) - opens in Excel, Google Sheets, and all spreadsheet apps

Frequently Asked Questions

Does COUNTBLANK count cells with formulas?
No, even if a formula returns an empty string, the cell is not considered blank.
How do I count cells with spaces?
Use COUNTIF with a space pattern: =COUNTIF(range, " ")