Count results

[zzz]

I have a table with entries for different items. I need to output how many entries I have for, say top 5 items.

I think of counting particular items and comparing them, but I am almost sure I can just put it into a query string and get all i need in one shot. I'm I dreaming?

[leatherback]

How about something like..

$query = "select count(items_id) as count, item_name from items group by items_id order by item_name limit 0,5";