[Dropped] Count how often a list element occurs

[OliSwamp]

In short I'm making a spreadsheet to track my reading, I need to be able to count how many times an item from the editable list I made was used in one sheet. The function has to be on another sheet due to sheer volume of data I need to input. I want things to be clean and easily readable.
I tried COUNTIF function but it doesn't work.

I looked up similar problems and the suggested way to go is a pivot table, but then I'd have to put everything on one sheet, no? Correct me if I'm wrong, though.

Is there maybe a formula that converts the value of the cell into a string that then gets compared/displayed? Idk if that's a thing.

[MrProgrammer]

I looked up similar problems and the suggested way to go is a pivot table, but then I'd have to put everything on one sheet, no?

A pivot table will be simple because you won't need to create any formulas. A pivot table can be created on a new sheet.
Data → Pivot table → Create → More → Results to → New sheet

In the pivot table dialog drag your list to Row Fields. Then drag it to Data fields and set the data summary function to Count. Read this documentation if you are new to pivot tables because it explains the last two sentences in more detail: Calc Guide Chapter 8 - Using a Pivot Table   (formerly called Data Pilot)

I tried COUNTIF function but it doesn't work.

"Doesn't work" isn't helpful in the forum because it tells us what did not happen. Please never use that phrase in a post. We need to know exactly what actions you took, what did happen, and what you expected to happen. Attaching a document demonstrating the problem is almost always helpful for us and will get your problem solved more quickly. For example, if you typed a formula, pressed Enter, and got #VALUE!, tell us that, not "It didn't work." Then attach your document so we can see what's wrong. Often "it didn't work" means "it didn't do what I expected" and the real problem is that the program is behaving correctly but your expectations are incorrect. To help you solve the problem we need to know your expectations and your ultimate goal.

If you need any additional assistance attach a spreadsheet demonstrating the difficulty (remove confidential information then use Post Reply, not Quick Reply, and don't attach a picture instead of the spreadsheet itself). Try to create the pivot table before attaching your document. I will not help further unless you attach a spreadsheet document.

If this solved your problem please go to your first post use the Edit ✏️ button and add [Solved] to the start of the Subject field. Select the green checkmark icon at the same time.

[Tutorial] Ten concepts that every Calc user should know