How much and how many both ask about quantities, but the choice depends on the type of noun. Use how many with plural countable nouns, as in how many books, and how much with uncountable nouns, as in how much coffee, even for words that are countable in Spanish.
Grammar Rule
How much and how many ask about quantities. The choice depends on the type of noun, not on Spanish intuition — money, homework, and information are uncountable in English.
How Much vs How Many: Usage Rules
| Phrase | Used with | Example |
|---|---|---|
| how many | plural countable nouns | How many books are on the shelf? How many chairs do we need? |
| how much | uncountable nouns | How much coffee is left? How much rice is in the bag? |
Remember: countable nouns with how many, uncountable nouns with how much.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below choosing how much or how many correctly. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Quantifiers – «How much» vs. «How many»
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Frequently Asked Questions
When do you use how many?
Use how many with plural countable nouns, as in how many books are on the shelf.
When do you use how much?
Use how much with uncountable nouns, as in how much coffee is left.
Is money countable or uncountable in English?
Money is uncountable in English, so it takes how much, even though it may feel countable in Spanish.
Can how much be used with plural nouns?
No. How much is used only with uncountable nouns, while how many is used with plural countable nouns.