Counting Columns

Jeff Nelson

Is there a formula that allows me to count the number of columns in a sheet (to include in a sheet summary/)

Andrée Starå

Hi Jeff,

I might have an idea on how to solve it.

Can you describe your process in more detail and maybe share the sheet(s) or some screenshots? (Delete/replace any confidential/sensitive information before sharing) That would make it easier to help. (share too, andree@getdone.se)

I hope that helps!

Have a fantastic day!

Best,

Andrée Starå

Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

 

Paul Newcome

Counting the columns in the sheet would be as simple as adding in two helper columns. One on the far right and one on the far left. We will call the far left [First Column] and the far right [Last Column].

 

You could then use a formula along the lines of

 

=COUNTIFS([First Column]1:[Last Column]1, OR(NOT(ISBLANK(@cell)), ISBLANK(@cell))) - 2

.

As long as any columns are added between these two, your count will remain true. Once you have it set up, just hide the columns, and you will be good to go.

.

As for the Sheet Summary...

 

This will need to be counted manually. Unfortunately you cannot use Sheet Summary fields as ranges such as

 

[First Summary Field]#:[Last Summary Field]#.

.

It would be great if you could though. I personally can think of quite a few cases where this would be helpful.

 

Feel free to Submit a Product Enhancement Request.

Andrée Starå

Paul nailed it! That was my idea as well!

Paul Newcome

Haha. That was another case of us typing at the same time. When I first opened the post, there were no other comments. I do wish that we could use Summary Fields though. The potential uses for that are astounding!

Nancy Heater

Hi all - found this formula that helps and is amazing … HOWEVER, if any of the cells in the row you are counting contain error from a formula, it breaks the count. It worked like a charm on 4 out of 5 sheets, and then blamo, I got an INVALID VALUE return. Luckily I have a Smartsheet Wizard that I work with and he figured it out!

Not sure yet how to get past the error of the error, but if we figure it out, we'll share it here!