Abstract: A device for counting the number of persons entering or exiting a given area including a mat switch having a plurality of normally open independent switches arranged in the form of a ladder and a plurality of resistors each connected to one of the plurality of switches, the switches and the resistors configured such that the output resistance of the mat switch undergoes a monotonic reduction as the switches are successively closed by the pressure of a person's foot as the person to be counted moves in a predetermined direction across the mat switch and a means for converting the change in the output resistance of the mat switch into a signal which is counted.