You have a list of names in a row?
=COUNTA(A1:Z1) for row 1 or =COUNTA(1:1)
In a column ?
=COUNTA(C1:C100) for column C or =COUNTA(C:C)
Whereas COUNT counts numbers, COUNTA counts everything.

=TODAY() add the current date which updates when the file is opened tomorrow
Using CTRL+; enter the current date in static form - will be yesterday's
date tomorrow

best wishes
--
Bernard V Liengme
www.stfx.ca/people/bliengme
remove caps from email

"jkf" wrote in message
...
how do i get a total for a list of names entered in

ie alan billy chris dave ......

also is it possible for the date to be automatically enterd in each sheet

tia

jkf