maybe...
=len(a1)
if only X's were in A1.

=len(a1)-len(substitute(a1,"x",""))
to count just the x's in A1

JMar wrote:

I need a way in Excel 2003 to calculate marks in each box versus numbers,
(i.e., xxxxxxx and Excel would automatically enter 7 in the box). I need
this to recaulculate itself each time another mark is added so I can keep
running totals.

--

Dave Peterson