AREAS Function
AREAS counts the number of areas (ranges or cells) in a reference, useful for validating complex range selections and non-contiguous data.
Excel
Google SheetsExcelGoogle Sheets=AREAS(reference)Quick Answer
AREAS function AREAS function counts the number of areas (ranges or cells) in a reference. With syntax `=AREAS(reference)`, it returns a numeric value representing how many separate areas exist in the provided reference.
=AREAS(reference)Practical Examples
Count Single Range
Basic usage with a single continuous range
Count Multiple Non-Contiguous Ranges
Count separate areas in a non-contiguous reference
Validate Named Range Areas
Check how many areas are in a named range
Combined with IF for Validation
Validate that a selection contains only one area
Count Complex References
Work with mixed cell and range references
Common Errors and Solutions
AREAS returns #VALUE! error
Missing outer parentheses when referencing multiple areas. Attempting to pass multiple ranges without proper grouping syntax.
Wrap multiple ranges in an extra set of parentheses: =AREAS((A1:A5,C1:C5)) instead of =AREAS(A1:A5,C1:C5). The inner parentheses group the ranges, while the outer parentheses are the function's parameter delimiters.
Always use double parentheses when working with multiple non-contiguous ranges in AREAS.
Example:
AREAS returns #NAME? error
Referenced named range doesn't exist or has been deleted. Typo in the named range name.
Verify the named range is defined correctly in Name Manager (Excel) or Named ranges menu (Google Sheets). Check spelling and case sensitivity.
Use the Name Manager to browse existing named ranges and copy names directly rather than typing them manually.
Example:
AREAS returns #REF! error
Reference points to deleted cells, invalid range, or cells in a deleted worksheet.
Check that all referenced cells exist and are accessible. Update the formula if cells were moved or deleted. Verify worksheet references if using cross-sheet ranges.
Use named ranges that update automatically, or implement error-checking with IFERROR to handle reference errors gracefully.
Example:
Best Practices and Advanced Tips
Parentheses Are Critical
When counting multiple areas, always wrap them in an extra set of parentheses: =AREAS((A1:A5,C1:C5)) not =AREAS(A1:A5,C1:C5). This is the most common mistake and causes #VALUE! errors.
Single Cells Count as Areas
Individual cell references (like A1) count as one area, same as a range (like A1:A10). When you reference multiple single cells like (A1,B1,C1), each counts as a separate area, resulting in a count of 3.
Use for Range Validation
Combine AREAS with IF to validate that users selected the expected number of ranges before processing data. This is particularly useful in templates or tools where data structure matters.
Compatible with Named Ranges
AREAS works seamlessly with named ranges, making it useful for checking the structure of defined names. This is helpful when auditing workbooks or validating that named ranges meet structural requirements.
Limited Practical Use
AREAS is primarily used in specialized validation scenarios and is not commonly needed in everyday spreadsheet work. Most users will never need this function, but it becomes essential for advanced validation logic.
Need Help with AREAS Function?
Stop struggling with formula syntax. Use AskFormulas to generate validated formulas instantly with our AI-powered tool.
Example Excel formula:
Related Formulas
The COLUMNS function returns the number of columns in a reference or array, essential for dynamic formulas and array calculations in Excel and Google Sheets.
ExcelSheetsMaster INDEX to retrieve values from specific positions in arrays. Learn array manipulation with practical examples and solutions.
ExcelSheetsMaster the INDIRECT function to create dynamic cell references from text strings. Learn syntax, examples, and solutions for flexible Excel formulas.
ExcelSheetsThe ROWS function returns the number of rows in a specified array or range, perfect for dynamic calculations and data validation in spreadsheets.
ExcelSheets