COUNTA counts empty strings in array

Version: 24.8.0.3 (X86_64) / LibreOffice Community
Build ID: 0bdf1299c94fe897b119f97f3c613e9dca6be583
CPU threads: 4; OS: macOS 13.6.9; UI render: Skia/Raster; VCL: osx
Locale: nl-NL (nl_NL.UTF-8); UI: en-US
Calc: threaded

ExampleCOUNTA.ods (15,2 KB)

The LO calc help for COUNTA reads: “If an argument is an array or reference, empty cells within the array or reference are ignored.”

In the example C4 contains an empty string (disputabele since A4 = NULL

Anyway, I expected “3” in the red marked field…

The cell that contains the formula is not empty (regardless of what value the formula returns).
See also here.

ExampleCOUNTA.ods (15,2 KB)

I see waht you mean. The explanation in the issue you referenced is quite clear. Although I can follow what is said there I doubt if the remark in the help files makes it any more clear. An extra remark about “invisable” values might be usefull.