Why does OS X Finder recognize a folder as a file when it counts the number of files?

Question

When I select a folder in Finder and click cmd+i(or cmd+option+i), it shows the number of files in the folder. However, that number is weird for me, because they count a folder itself as a file. For example, when I have a single file in my Download folder and I clicked cmd+i on Download folder, then the number of files in a inspection window is 2, not 1. It is because that number includes not only the file inside the folder, but also the folder itself. (Check the below image)
This is not a big problem if there is no hierarchical structure in my folder. But, if I have thousands of files and folders inside, it is really hard to figure out how many files(not folders) are inside. I cannot understand why Mac OS X counts a folder as a file. In fact, a folder is not an actual file, just a container.
So, is there any philosophy to do like this? Or is there any way to count only the number of actual files?

Answer 1

Sorry byron1st
there is no way to count only files in a folder.
Finder will count everything inside, folders and files.
Information about a folder will count the same.
If there are no subsubfolders in one folder, maybe a little trick can help:
Select list view for the open folder, close all subfolders.
Type command+# to see the footer of the window, that counts (hopefully) only the closed subfolders (content) in the open folder.
Remember the amount.
Hold option and click on one triangle in front of one subfolder. All subfolders will be opened!
The difference between amount a and amount b is the number of files (and subsubfolders, if unfortunately inside…).