This user's problem reveals a basic truth that too many spreadsheet tools ignore: counting text in a list should be simple, not a puzzle.
The user wants to count how many times "G" appears in column J. They tried SUMIF, which is designed to add numbers, not count text. The formula failed because they were using the wrong tool for the task. That's not their fault. Traditional spreadsheets force users to memorize which function does what, and when you're in the middle of building a list-based tracker, the last thing you need is a syntax scavenger hunt. The user's instinct was correct, they need a count, not a sum. The solution is COUNTIF, which counts cells that match a condition. In their case, `=COUNTIF(J:J, H3)` would return 4, assuming H3 contains "G." It works the way your brain works: "Count how many times this thing appears in this column." No extra numbers, no workarounds.
What this means for you is that the friction you feel isn't a sign of weakness in your approach, it's a sign that the tool hasn't adapted to how people actually think. You should not have to stop your workflow to Google whether a function sums or counts. A modern spreadsheet should anticipate your intent. When you select a list from another tab and reference it in a formula, the system should understand that you're likely counting or matching, not adding. That's the difference between a tool that respects your time and one that wastes it.
The practical takeaway is this: If you find yourself fighting a formula, step back and ask whether the function matches the question. For counting text, use COUNTIF. For adding numbers when a condition is met, use SUMIF. That distinction is small but powerful. And if your current tool still makes you guess which one to use, it's worth exploring one that doesn't.