How to Use COUNTIF with Dates in Google Sheets

When it comes to counting values that meet specific criteria in Google Sheets, the COUNTIF function is an incredibly powerful tool. By default, COUNTIF searches for exact matches, but did you know that you can also use it to search for dates within a certain range? In this article, we'll explore how to count values if a date is less than a defined value using COUNTIF.

To get started, simply place your cursor in the cell where you want to display the result and type an equal sign (=). Then, select the range of cells that contains the data you want to search. In our example, we're searching for the number of 'Milk Chocolate' sold.

The first argument of COUNTIF is represented by the following range: D6:D16. As soon as you type the letter 'C', Google Sheets will prompt you to choose a function that begins with this letter. Place the cursor in the cell where you want to get the result and enter the equality sign (=). We need to count the number of 'Milk Chocolate' sold.

By using COUNTIF, we can decide to look for not only concrete values but also those that meet certain criteria. Its searching criteria alone is enough to earn such a description. It may seem that COUNTIF is so simple that it doesn't even count as a function (pun intended), but in truth its potential is quite impressive.

To use COUNTIF with dates, you'll need to define the maximum date value and then search for values that are less than or equal to this date. For example, if your maximum date value is at cell K9, then the criteria would be written as “<=”&K9. You can also write the formula using cell references.

The COUNTIF function uses exact same syntax as COUNTIFS. Ability to use criteria with logical operators like less than (<) provides the way to count values if a date is less than a defined value. They search for a given criteria in a reference range.

Here's how you can use COUNTIF to count values that meet a criteria:

1. Type the formula: `=COUNTIF(date range,

2. Select or type the range reference that includes the date values you want to apply the criteria against: `$C$3:$C$10`

3. Type minimum date criteria with less than operator '<'

For example, if you want to count values up to a certain date, you can use the following formula:

`=COUNTIF($C$3:$C$10, '<='&K9)`

By using COUNTIF and COUNTIFS functions, you can create YTD (year-to-date) reports and count cells up to a certain date. With these essential tips, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of data analysis in Google Sheets.

Countif smaller than cell