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: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.


"Owen" wrote:

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?