Excel - AREAS Function



AREAS Function

The Excel AREAS function will retrieve the number of areas in a reference. An area comprises a single cell or series of consecutive cells. This function is a part of the Lookup and Reference functions. With the aid of this function, you can determine how much space to be covered by the continuous range of cells in Excel. Specifying various area zones in the reference argument must be enclosed with two sets of parentheses. It is very beneficial when a data analyst handles large data models to inspect errors.

Compatibility

This advanced Excel function is compatible with the following versions of MS Excel −

  • Excel for Microsoft 365
  • Excel for Microsoft 365 for Mac
  • Excel for the web
  • Excel 2024
  • Excel 2024 for Mac
  • Excel 2021
  • Excel 2021 for Mac
  • Excel 2019
  • Excel 2016
  • Excel 2013
  • Excel 2010
  • Excel 2007

Syntax

The syntax of the AREAS function is as follows −

=AREAS(reference)

Arguments

You can use the following arguments with the AREAS function −

Argument Description Required / Optional
Reference A cell reference, cell range, a named range, and a reference list are used, with commas after each reference and parentheses enclosed to complete the list. The whole list is considered an argument. Required

How to use the AREAS Function in Excel?

Step-by-step instructions are depicted below −

Step 1. First, deliberate an Excel worksheet.

Step 2. Then, place the cursor on the targeted cell and double-click on it.

Step 3. After that, type the = sign and write "AREAS". Then, type the open bracket ( and then specify the range of cells or single cell reference and then close the bracket ). For instance, AREAS(C2:F6). As there is a single range, the AREAS function retrieves the 1.

Step 4. Then, hit the Enter tab to evaluate the AREAS function.

Examples of AREAS Function

Practice the following examples to learn the evaluation of the AREAS function in Excel.

Example 1: Counting the Number of The Regions Through the AREAS Function

In the example below, two teams are selected (i.e., the Ranges are selected) and named range Team 1 and Team 2. The Areas function returns 2 as there are two ranges in the selection.

Solution

First, double-click on the F8 cell and write the formula =AREAS((Team1, Team2)).

Counting Number of Regions Through AREAS Function1

Note − You may use a single set of parentheses when using one zone of area.

After that, press the Enter tab to count the number of areas.

Counting Number of Regions Through AREAS Function2

Example 2: Combining AREAS Function with IF Statement

In this example, we will check the condition depending on the number of areas by merging the AREAS function with the IF statement.

Solution

First, double click on the B5 cell and write the formula =IF(AREAS((B2,D2,F2,H2))>3, "Large Region","Small Region"). If the condition is TRUE in this expression, then the Large Region will be displayed. Otherwise, “Small Region” will be populated.

Combining AREAS function with IF Statement1

After that, hit the Enter tab to obtain the resulting value.

Combining AREAS function with IF Statement2

Moreover, you may also combine the AREAS function with the SUM function to get the summation of the number of areas representing the independent multiple regions.

Download Practice Sheet

You can download and use the sample data sheet to practice the AREAS function.

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