HOW MUCH or HOW MANY?

For many English Users, these two question forms generate confusion. Below are some guidelines to determine the correct use:

• First, determine if you are talking about countables or non-countables.
  For more information see our previous POST about this topic.


• Use HOW MANY for countables or plural concepts.
  Ex.1) How many boxes do you need?
  Ex.2) How many people did you see at the gate?


• Use HOW MUCH for non-countable or singular concepts.
  Ex.3) How much coffee would you like?
  Ex.4) How much pressure can the tank sustain?


• Use HOW MUCH for questions where the non-countable concept is implied by context, but not used directly.
  Ex.5) How much does the computer cost?
  How much implies how much "money" (non-countable concept)
  Ex.6) How much does the car get per gallon/liter?
  How much implies how much "distance" (non-countable concept)


• Here are some irregular plural countables to be aware of:
  Man > men
  Woman > women
  Child > children
  Person > people
  Mouse > mice