title: Why does COUNT(*) multiply the results when there are several tables?
body: <p>I've got this:</p>
  
  <pre><code>SELECT 
      COUNT(*)
  FROM
      TABLE1,
      TABLE2,
      TABLE3;
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>Say TABLE1 has 5 entries, TABLE2 has 5 entries, and TABLE3 has one, COUNT(*) essentially becomes 5*5*1 = 25. Is there a reason for this? Ideally, I want the total rowcount from all 3 tables WITHOUT having to use multiple from statements. </p>