Count total characters in a range

Summary

If you want to count the total characters in a range of cells, you can do with a formula that uses LEN, along with the SUMPRODUCT function. In the generic form of the formula above, rng represents a range of cells that contain text.

In the example, the active cell contains this formula:

=SUMPRODUCT(LEN(B3:B6))

Generic formula

=SUMPRODUCT(LEN(rng))

Explanation

SUMPRODUCT accepts the range B3:B6 as an array of four cells. For each cell in the array, LEN calculates the length of the text as a number. The result is an array that contains 4 numbers. SUMPRODUCT then sums the items in this array and returns the total.

Author

Dave Bruns

Hi - I'm Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.

Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your articles on dynamic arrays and associated functions. It's rare that I learn so much at one sitting, not to mention the kick start to my own creative juices that comes from the kind of depth your explanations get into. ExcelJet has become one of my go-to sites over the past few years, and I owe you a few beers, or whatever you'd like, in return for the boost my Excel interest and energy get virtually every time I visit.

Daryl

More Testimonials

Get Training

Quick, clean, and to the point training

Learn Excel with high quality video training. Our videos are quick, clean, and to the point, so you can learn Excel in less time, and easily review key topics when needed. Each video comes with its own practice worksheet.

View Paid Training & Bundles