Database

DCOUNT Function in Excel

Counts cells containing numbers in a database that match specified criteria.

Syntax

  • =DCOUNT(database, field, criteria)

Arguments

  • database (required): Range including headers
  • field (required): Column to count (name or number)
  • criteria (required): Range with criteria headers and values

Examples

  • =DCOUNT(A1:D10, "Qty", F1:F2) - Count numeric entries matching criteria - Result: Count

D-functions vs DCOUNT

  • Database functions use a criteria range with headers matching your list.
  • For simple AND criteria [SUMIFS](/functions/sumifs/) may be easier to audit.
  • Compare [SUMIF vs SUMIFS](/compare/sumif-vs-sumifs/) for reporting patterns.

Common errors

  • Only counts numbers, not text

Use cases

  • Database counting
  • Record analysis
  • Data validation

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the difference between DCOUNT and DCOUNTA? DCOUNT counts only cells with numbers. DCOUNTA counts all non-blank cells (numbers, text, dates). Use DCOUNT for numeric fields like quantities; use DCOUNTA for text fields like names.
  • How do I count records with multiple criteria? Set up criteria range with multiple columns for AND logic. Headers in row 1, values in row 2. For 'Region=East AND Year=2024': put both headers and values in adjacent columns of your criteria range.
  • Can I use wildcards in DCOUNT criteria? Yes, use * for any characters and ? for single character. For names starting with 'J': put 'J*' in criteria. For 3-letter codes: use '???' in criteria. Wildcards work in text criteria only.

Editorial review

  • Reviewed by Excel.Directory Editorial Team. Updated May 2026.