Learn =AREAS() Function – How to use with Examples

The =AREAS() function is a built-in Microsoft Excel function that returns the number of areas in a reference. An “area” is a contiguous block of cells that share the same formatting or content. This function is useful for counting the number of distinct regions in a range of cells.

How to use =AREAS() function in Excel:

To use the =AREAS() function, simply enter “=AREAS(referance)” into a cell. The “reference” argument can be any range of cells in the worksheet. The function will then return the number of distinct areas within that reference.

Example of =AREAS(reference) function in excel formula:

  1. =AREAS(A1:D10) returns 1, as there is only one area within that range.
  2. =AREAS(A1:C5,F1:H5) returns 2, as there are two separate areas within the two ranges.
  3. =AREAS(A1:A5,B1:B5,C1:C5) returns 3, as there are three separate areas within the three columns.
  4. =AREAS(A1:A5,A6:A10,A11:A15) returns 3, as there are three separate areas within the three rows.
  5. =AREAS(A1:A10,B1:B10,C1:C10) returns 30, as each cell is its own area.
  6. =AREAS(A1:A5,A6:A10,A11:A15,A16:A20) returns 4, as there are four separate areas within the four rows.
  7. =AREAS(A1:B2,D1:E2,A3:B4,D3:E4) returns 4, as there are four separate areas within the four non-contiguous blocks of cells.
  8. =AREAS(A1:A10, A1:A10) returns 1, as the duplicated range is treated as a single area.
  9. =AREAS() returns an error because the function requires a range argument to work.
  10. =AREAS(A1:A1) returns 1, as a single cell is considered an area.

List of Similar Functions:

  • COUNTIF: counts the number of cells within a range that meet a specified criterion.
  • COUNTIFS: counts the number of cells within a range that meet multiple specified criteria.
  • COUNT: counts the number of cells within a range that contain numbers.
  • COUNTA: counts the number of cells within a range that are not empty.
  • COUNTBLANK: counts the number of empty cells within a range.

FAQs for AREAS functions :

Can the =AREAS() function count hidden cells or ranges?

No, the =AREAS() function only counts visible cells and ranges.

Can the AREAS() function count non-adjacent ranges?

Yes, the AREAS() function can count non-adjacent ranges

What is an “area” in Excel?

An “area” is a contiguous block of cells that share the same formatting or content.

How does the =AREAS()function differ from the =Count() function?

The =AREAS() function counts the number of distinct contiguous regions within a range, whereas the =Count() function counts the number of cells within a range that contain numbers.

Can the AREAS() function count cells with formulas?

Yes, the AREAS() function counts cells with formulas if the formulas generate the same results across the cells.

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