Counting 3 columns?

[Owen]

I have 3 columns with different text values. I want to know the # of times
col a = texta, and col b=textb and colc = text c - how do I do this in excel?

 

[JLatham]

I'm going to assume that only columns A:C are in use, so we can use D, E, F,
G and H. Otherwise find 5 other columns to use.

For column D we will enter a formula to combine A, B and C into one long
text value (assume we start on row 2 and go down to row 100 with the entries)
=A2 & B2 & C2
fill that formula on down to row 100.

Lets say you're looking for "able" in column A, "baker" in column B and
"charlie" in column C.
in 3 cells put the 3 words/phrases you're seeking as
E1 = "able"
F1 = "baker"
G1 = "charlie"
Then the counting formula in H1:
=COUNTIF(D,E1 & F1 & G1)
change the entries in E1, F1 and G1 to look for other groupings in A, B and C
done.

Hope this helps.

 

[JLatham]

Trying again - hope this doesn't turn out to be a double post.

Assume your list goes from A2 down to C100. Assume columns D, E, F, G and H
are available for us to use; all of column D and at least 1 row in E:H.
in D2 put formula:
=A2 & B2 & C2
fill that formula down to row 100 (end of your list).

In E1 put the word/phrase you're seeking in column A, in F1 put the
word/phrase you're seeking in column B and same for G1 and column C phrase.
In H1 put this formula:
=COUNTIF(D,E1 & F1 & G1)
just change entries in E1, F1 and G1 to count various groupings.

Hope this helps.