Single-bank counters count one thing and are right for door numbers, stock takes and lap counting. Multi-bank units track several categories at once, which is what you want for surveys, traffic studies or anything where the breakdown matters more than the total. Check the reset — a thumb wheel is faster than a side knob when you are counting in rounds — and whether the unit has a finger ring, since a dropped counter loses the count. Tally counters sit alongside date stamps in the wider desk accessories range.