Here's a step-by-step tutorial on how to count names in Excel:

1. Open MS Excel and create a data table with Name and Age columns (Columns A and B, respectively).
2. Create a new column heading “COUNT Name” in cell D2.
3. In cell D3, enter the formula =COUNT(B2:B10). This will count the number of cells that contain a value in the range B2:B10.
4. Press Enter key to get the result.

You can also use the COUNTIF function to count cells with exact name or partial name. Here are three methods to count specific names in Excel:

Method 1: Using COUNTIF Function to Count Exactly Matching Names
- Enter the formula =COUNTIF(A2:A11,"Bob Johnson") in any cell to count cells with exact name.

Method 2: Applying Wildcard Character to Count Specific Names
- To count cells with partial name, enter the formula =COUNTIF(A2:A11,"*Johnson*") in any cell.
- To count cells with one of several names, enter the formula =COUNTIF(A2:A11,"*Johnson*")+COUNTIF(A2:A11,"*Smith*") in any cell.

Method 3: Using SUMPRODUCT Function to Count Specific Names
- Enter the formula =SUMPRODUCT((A2:A11="Bob Johnson")*(B2:B11>30)) in any cell to count cells with exact name and age greater than 30.