My countif function doesn't work at all. I have version 14.2.5 for mac (OS X) and have updated it completely but still it doesn't work. If I try to write the same formula in windows excel, then it works just fine, so it isn't the formula that has an error.
I was using the following simple example:
Data
apples
oranges
peaches
apples
=COUNTIF(A2:A5,"apples")
But no matter what, I always get: "The formula you typed contains an error"
on the formula.
Do anyone know what to do?
Last edited by galaxytraveler42; 11-23-2012 at 12:17 PM.
Maybe you need to use a semi-colon instead of the comma:
=COUNTIF(A2:A5;"apples")
Also, check that you don't have any spaces after each "apples".
Hope this helps.
Pete
Hi Pete, unfortunately that isn't the problem. I don't think there is an error in the formula, since when I copy it into an excel windows version it works as it should.
Well, I could state the obvious (It's a MAC!), but, as a possible solution, try =COUNTIF(""&A2:A5;"apples"), as i don't own an Apple product, i cannot test this, but it's worth a shot...
or =COUNTIF(""&A2:A5,"apples")
Last edited by dredwolf; 11-26-2012 at 05:37 AM.
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Re: Countif function not working at all on Mac
Hi Pete
I have just restarted my computer and suddenly it works with the semi-colon (or I must have made an error when I tested it last time). I don't know why it works, but I will just use it.
In the Excel help function it says under countif:
Syntax
COUNTIF(range,criteria)
Showing it with comma and not semi-colon, also in the examples which was where I got my test of apples and pears.
Strange they would make such a mistake in the help function.
Mac vs windows, I have several times found errors in mac version of Microsoft programs, which I think Microsoft do on purpose, to get people to get irritated and change to windows. As I don't find that many errors in other programs for macs. It is a conspiracy!
Thanks for the help.
Originally Posted by Pete_UK
It all boils down to the spaces. To my extreme irritation, I was having this same issue (hence my visit here). I dooked around with the formula and discovered that there can be absolutely ZERO spaces in the formula, and the one I automatically typed after the comma was what killed the formula.
=COUNTIF(A2:A5,"apples")
should work fine.
Though your contribution is appreciated, you should know this thread is almost two years old, and the original poster has not signed on in over a year
You should hit F5, because chances are I've edited this post at least 5 times.
Example of Array Formulas
Click the * below on any post that helped you.
That may well be. But it doesn't hurt to keep responding. I found this forum and this thread because it was one of the first to show up in a Google search when I was looking for the solution to my issue. Perhaps one day another confused soul will have the same problem, and stumble upon it as well.
I disagree I think that replying to dead discussion is still a good idea when you bring new information, because this forum is the place everyone can search for answers to their problems not just solving one persons problem, in this case mine.
I use this website myself primarily to search through other peoples old dead discussions, and there I don't care when a suggestion is written.
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