[Grammar] How many subjects are there? How much/what is the total number of subjects?

[Aamir Tariq]

Now it is crystal clear that many is used with count nouns, since subjects are countable that's why we should use "how many subjects" like "How many subjects are there in this semester?" or "How many subjects are you studying in this semester?".

Now, if we use the word "total", it sounds unnatural and ungrammatical to me "how many is the total number of something?. So should it be "How much is the total number of subjects?"

However,
"What is the total number of subjects?." sounds more natural and grammatical to my years. What is your expert opinion on this one?

Regards,
Aamir the Global Citizen

 

[Raymott]

Yes, you'd use "What is the total?" "How much is the total?" is less common, unless used by itself.