In Microsoft Excel, student scores are listed in column B (Math) and column C (Science). Which formula correctly counts the numbe…

Question

In Microsoft Excel, student scores are listed in column B (Math) and column C (Science). Which formula correctly counts the number of students who scored = 80 in Math and = 90 in Science?

1. A. =COUNTIFS(B2:B10,"=80",C2:C10,"=90") (Correct answer)
2. B. =SUMPRODUCT((B2:B10=80),(C2:C10=90))
3. C. =SUM(IF((B2:B10=80),(C2:C10=90),1,0))
4. D. None of these

Correct Answer

Option A — A

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Option A.

Key Points

• =COUNTIFS(B2:B10,">=80",C2:C10,">=90").
• COUNTIFS counts rows that satisfy multiple conditions at once (a logical AND).
• Here it counts students with Math ≥ 80 and Science ≥ 90 — exactly what is asked.

Additional Information

• (B) `SUMPRODUCT((B2:B10>=80),(C2:C10>=90))` would need the two boolean arrays multiplied together `(...)*(...)` to count the AND; as written with a comma it is not a valid count.
• (C) `SUM(IF(...))` has the wrong argument structure and would error.
• (D) is wrong because A works.

Exam Tip

• COUNTIF = one condition; COUNTIFS = multiple conditions. The same pattern gives SUMIF/SUMIFS and AVERAGEIF/AVERAGEIFS.