Excel formula: Last row in mixed data with no blanks

Generic formula

=COUNTA(range)

Explanation

To get the last relative position (i.e. last row, last column) for mixed data that contains no empty cells, you can use the COUNTA function.

In the example shown, the formula in D5 is:

=COUNTA(B4:B100)

Last relative position

When constructing more advanced formulas, it's often necessary to figure out the last location of data in a list. Depending on the data, this could be the last row with data, the last column with data, or the intersection of both. It's important to understand that we are after the last *relative position* inside a given range not the row number on the worksheet:

Illustration of last relative position (last row, last column)

How this formula works

This formula uses the COUNTA function to count values in a range. COUNTA counts both numbers and text to so works well with mixed data.

The range B4:B8 contains 5 values, so COUNTA returns 5. The number 5 corresponds to the last row (last relative position) of data in the range B4:B100.

Note: This approach will fail if the range contains blank/empty cells.

Dynamic range

You can use this formula to create a dynamic range with other functions like INDEX and OFFSET. See links below for examples and explanation:

Inspiration for this article came from Mike Girvin's excellent book Control + Shift + Enter.

Author

Dave Bruns

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Related functions

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The Excel COUNTA function returns the count of cells that contain numbers, text, logical values, error values, and empty text (""). COUNTA does not count empty cells.

Excel Formula Training

Formulas are the key to getting things done in Excel. In this accelerated training, you'll learn how to use formulas to manipulate text, work with dates and times, lookup values with VLOOKUP and INDEX & MATCH, count and sum with criteria, dynamically rank values, and create dynamic ranges. You'll also learn how to troubleshoot, trace errors, and fix problems. Instant access. See details here.