thanks Max. that's a better option. appreciate it.

"Max" wrote:

=SUMPRODUCT(--(L4:L555="sdp"))

An alternative for a single criteria count is:
=COUNTIF(L4:L555,"sdp")

And if the data setup permits using entire* col refs,
then it could be just simply:
=COUNTIF(L:L,"sdp")

*imo, that's an advantage in this instance,
since Sumproduct does not accept entire col references
--
Max
Singapore
http://savefile.com/projects/236895
xdemechanik
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"CJZ" wrote in message
...
should have looked around before I posted... found my answer:

=SUMPRODUCT(--(L4:L555="sdp"))