What does the COUNT function do in Excel?

The COUNT function in Excel is specifically designed to count the number of cells that contain numeric values within a specified range. This is particularly useful when you want to analyze datasets that include numbers, such as sales figures or scores, and you need to know how many entries you have that can be quantified.

When using the COUNT function, only those cells that have numerical data will be counted, while cells with text, error values, or blank cells will be ignored. This targeted functionality makes the COUNT function an essential tool for data analysis, allowing users to quickly assess and summarize their numerical data without having to sift through irrelevant cell contents.

This clarity in counting numeric entries stands in contrast to other functions or criteria that address different cell contents or conditions, highlighting the uniqueness of COUNT in the Excel toolkit dedicated to numerical analysis.