Not a formula, but you can do it with event code

Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range)

On Error GoTo ws_exit:
Application.EnableEvents = False
If Not Intersect(Target, Me.Range("A1:H10")) Is Nothing Then
With Target
If Len(.Value) 45 Then
.Value = Left(.Value, 45)
End If
End With
End If

ws_exit:
Application.EnableEvents = True
End Sub

'This is worksheet event code, which means that it needs to be
'placed in the appropriate worksheet code module, not a standard
'code module. To do this, right-click on the sheet tab, select
'the View Code option from the menu, and paste the code in.



--

HTH

RP
(remove nothere from the email address if mailing direct)


"Colin Hayes" wrote in message
...

Hi All

I need to limit the amount of characters in a cell to 45 maximum.

If the cell is found to be over the 45 then the cell contents would be
foreshortened automatically.

Does any one know a formula to effect this?


Best Wishes

Drno