To utilize the CountIF function, which argument must be specified?

The CountIF function is designed to count the number of cells within a specified range that meet a certain criterion. To use this function effectively, you must specify two arguments: the range of cells you want to evaluate and the criteria that determine which cells to count.

The range specifies where to look for data, such as a series of cells in a column or row. The criteria, on the other hand, defines the conditions that must be met for a cell to be included in the count. This can take forms such as a number, text, or expression, allowing for flexible use based on the specific needs of the analysis.

By requiring both the range and criteria, CountIF provides the ability to filter through the dataset dynamically, making it a powerful tool for data analysis in Excel. Without either of these arguments, the function would not be able to perform its counting operation effectively.