AREAS in WPS on Windows: Introduction

AREAS in WPS helps count how many separate areas are included in a reference; this guide covers 1 core task, with 1 available without membership and 0 membership-related items.

At a Glance

Metric	Value	Notes
Core tasks	1	Matches the number of rows in the How-to Index
Available without membership	1	Matches the number of Free rows in the index
Membership-related items	0	Matches the number of membership-related rows in the index
Version support	No version limit stated	Available in WPS Spreadsheet across supported versions

About This Feature

Overview

The AREAS function in WPS Spreadsheet is used to count how many separate areas are included in a reference. It is useful for formula review, reference checking, and spreadsheet analysis on Windows.

Key capabilities include:

View syntax prompts and parameter examples when you type AREAS(.
Enter the function directly in a cell or in the formula bar.
Use the function with cross-sheet references and nested calculations.
Get updated results automatically when referenced data changes.

This function is suitable for checking multi-area references, reviewing complex formulas, and supporting spreadsheet calculations in daily work.

System Requirements

Item	Requirement
Operating system	A Windows device that can run WPS Office normally
App version	It is recommended to use the latest version of WPS Office; AREAS is available in WPS Spreadsheet across supported versions
Network	No mandatory network connection is required for local formula entry and calculation; internet access is needed for download and account services
Other	You need to open WPS Spreadsheet and edit worksheet cells

Download & Installation

Before using the AREAS function, install WPS Office on your Windows device and open WPS Spreadsheet.

Item	Details
Official download	WPS Office Free Download
Check after installation	Launch WPS Office, open Spreadsheet, and type `=AREAS(` in a cell to confirm that the function prompt appears

Source: WPS Download Center

Compare with Alternatives

Dimension	WPS	Microsoft	Google	Notion	Adobe
Capability Summary	AREAS can be entered directly in WPS Spreadsheet and supports syntax prompts, cross-sheet references, nested calculations, and automatic recalculation.	Microsoft Word supports formulas in table cells, including functions and cell references, with manual or document-open updates for results.	Google Sheets provides collaborative spreadsheets with formulas, data analysis, and AI-assisted formula creation.	Notion formulas work with database properties, built-ins, and functions for calculated property results.	Adobe Acrobat supports calculated form fields in PDF forms for totals and linked field results.
WPS Advantages	Advantage: AREAS is built for spreadsheet-style cell formulas on Windows. Distinct: users can enter the function directly in the worksheet workflow and use syntax prompts while editing.	Compared with WPS: formula use is centered on Word table cells rather than a full spreadsheet grid workflow.	Compared with WPS: the product emphasizes cloud collaboration and browser-based spreadsheet work.	Compared with WPS: formulas are mainly tied to database properties instead of traditional worksheet cells.	Compared with WPS: calculations are focused on PDF form fields rather than spreadsheet formula editing.
Official Source	—	Use a formula in a Word table	Google Sheets product page	Intro to formulas	Configure form field calculations in Acrobat

Overall Conclusion: For Windows users who mainly work with worksheet formulas, WPS provides a direct spreadsheet editing path for entering and checking the AREAS function. Microsoft, Google, Notion, and Adobe also provide calculation features, but they are oriented toward document tables, cloud spreadsheets, database properties, or PDF forms.

Use Cases

No.	Scenario	Suitable Users	Main Pain Point	Solution
1	Check multi-area references	Spreadsheet editors	It is not clear how many separate areas a reference contains	Use AREAS to return the number of areas in the reference
2	Review complex formulas	Data analysts	Nested formulas make reference structures harder to read	Combine AREAS with other functions for formula review
3	Count cross-sheet reference areas	Office users	It is harder to confirm reference structure across sheets	Use AREAS to count areas in cross-sheet references
4	Learn and troubleshoot formulas	New users	Function syntax and parameters are not yet familiar	Use syntax prompts while entering the function
5	Verify recalculated results	Daily office users	Results need to stay aligned with changing data	Check the automatically recalculated result after edits

Membership & Benefits

Free vs WPS Premium

Capability	Free Users	WPS Premium
AREAS function entry and calculation	Available	Available
Basic spreadsheet editing	Available	Available
Additional advanced benefits	Depends on the current product page and account plan	Includes more advanced features and services

Source: WPS Office pricing page

Recommendations

Usage Scenario	Recommended Plan	Reason
Daily formula entry and basic calculation	Free	The AREAS function itself can be used without membership
Broader advanced office needs	WPS Premium	Suitable if you also need more advanced features and services

WPS membership center: Subscribe now