Lookup function

Excel ROWS function

Q: How do I count the number of rows in Excel?

For a range, =ROWS(A2:A100). For rows that actually have data, =COUNTA(A2:A100). The status bar also shows a count when you select cells.

Q: How do I count the rows returned by FILTER?

Wrap it in ROWS: =ROWS(FILTER(A2:A8,C2:C8<5)). Add IFERROR around it if FILTER might find nothing, since FILTER returns #CALC! then.

Q: What is the difference between ROWS and COLUMNS?

ROWS counts the rows in a range and COLUMNS counts the columns. =ROWS(A1:C5) is 5 and =COLUMNS(A1:C5) is 3.

ROWS returns how many rows a range or array has. It does not look at what is in the cells, so blanks count too. That makes it the right tool for sizing things: numbering a list, counting the rows a FILTER returned, or pointing INDEX at the last row.

=ROWS(array)

Arguments

array: A range such as A2:A8, an array constant, or a formula that returns an array, such as FILTER(...).

ROWS examples

Every result below was calculated from this sample sheet by the same spreadsheet engine the Cellwise app uses.

	A	B	C
1	Product	Category	Stock
2	Desk lamp	Lighting	14
3	Monitor arm	Desk	3
4	Cable tray	Desk	0
5	Floor lamp	Lighting	8
6	Footrest	Seating	5
7	Seat cushion	Seating	22
8	LED strip	Lighting	2

Download this sheet as an Excel practice file (.xlsx)

=ROWS(A2:A8)
Result: 7
There are 7 products. Unlike COUNTA, ROWS would still say 7 if some cells were empty.
=ROWS($A$2:A2)
Result: 1
An auto number: in row 2 this returns 1. Fill it down and the range grows by one row each time, so you get 1, 2, 3... and deleting a row renumbers the rest.
=ROWS(FILTER(A2:A8,C2:C8<5))
Result: 3
Counts the products FILTER returns, here the 3 with fewer than 5 in stock. It needs Excel 365 or 2021; FILTER returns #CALC! when nothing matches.
=INDEX(A2:A8,ROWS(A2:A8))
Result: LED strip
The last product in the list, LED strip: ROWS gives the position of the last row for INDEX.

How to use ROWS

Click the cell for the result.
Type =ROWS( and select the range, or type a formula that returns an array.
Close the bracket and press Enter.
For numbering, lock the first cell only ($A$2:A2) and fill down.

Common ROWS mistakes

Mixing up ROWS and ROW

ROW(A5) returns the row number, 5. ROWS(A2:A5) returns how many rows the range has, 4.

Counting entries with ROWS

ROWS counts rows, filled or not. To count cells that hold something use COUNTA; to count numbers use COUNT.

Locking both ends of a numbering range

$A$2:$A$2 never grows, so every row shows 1. Lock only the start: $A$2:A2.

ROWS FAQ

How do I count the number of rows in Excel?

For a range, =ROWS(A2:A100). For rows that actually have data, =COUNTA(A2:A100). The status bar also shows a count when you select cells.

How do I count the rows returned by FILTER?

Wrap it in ROWS: =ROWS(FILTER(A2:A8,C2:C8<5)). Add IFERROR around it if FILTER might find nothing, since FILTER returns #CALC! then.

What is the difference between ROWS and COLUMNS?

ROWS counts the rows in a range and COLUMNS counts the columns. =ROWS(A1:C5) is 5 and =COLUMNS(A1:C5) is 3.

Guides that use ROWS

Related functions

Updated November 5, 2026