try this idea
=SUMPRODUCT((LEFT(A4:A14)={"1","2","3","4"})*B4:B1 4)

--
Don Guillett
SalesAid Software

"Spunky" wrote in message
...
I want to sum the "qty" field in a database based on the "job number". I
only want job numbers beginning with 1,2,3 or 4. Below is a list of
assorted
job number/alpha I might use.
Job number
103811
310225
350875-6
350875-7
350875-8
350875-8
370245-1
SKU#58214

Another formula I need is to sum "shipping lbs" in a database based on the
product name. I only want products beginning with "c". Below is a list
of
assorted products I might use.
Product
Curriculum
Curriculum
Curriculum
VBS FLYER RETAIL
VBS FLYER WHOLESALE
VBS FLYER DENOMS
JUST ADD KIDS - RETAIL
PICK UP N DO SAMPLER
Curriculum
Curriculum
PRESCHOOLER'S BIBLE