Count if not blank in calc

[LindaPro]

My spreadsheet has a number of rows and columns that I am using something like this (=COUNTA(F15:F18) to count the values (X) in the column. This particular range is totalling 4 (total of rows), but rows only contain 3 values. This is the only segment in over 100 rows of the spreadsheet that is not working properly. I am using this formula for 4 columns and the others work perfectly. Are there any thoughts about why this is happening on this small portion and what I can do to correct it?
spreadsheet.png

All help is appreciated.Lunch and Tables.ods

[anon73440385]

From a screenshot it is impossible to determine, whether cell F15 is empty or contains a white space character.

[LindaPro]

I would be happy to attach the spreadsheet if that is allowed. The countif formula worked, so I am happy with that but would like to know how to determine what value, if any, is in the blank field.

[anon73440385]

You may attach now using the clip symbol in edit mode (karma assigned):

[anon73440385]

Hello,

the formula doesn’t work in your expected way - technically it works correct - since your cell F15 contains a “white space” (space key) character, which is a non-empty content and considered a value. Just remove the white space using DEL key.

See also the following sheet containing a Conditional Formatting for Cell value is equal to " " to visualize same findings in other cells of the range A1:I132 and where an AutoFilter allows to filter for those cells.

Lunch-and-Tables-Modified.ods

Hope that helps.

If the answer helped to solve your problem, please click the check mark () next to the answer.

[LindaPro]

Thanks for all your help. I looked at the spreadsheet above and can see areas highlighted in red, found the conditional formatting and think I could follow that example. I will mark this solved and appreciate your patience.