Without it the formula will return TRUE or FALSE. The -- will convert TRUE
to 1 and FALSE to 0

http://www.mcgimpsey.com/excel/formulae/doubleneg.html

--
Regards
Ken....................... Microsoft MVP - Excel
Sys Spec - Win XP Pro / XL 97/00/02/03

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It's easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission :-)
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"Tim Sampson" wrote in message
. 2...
"Ken Wright" wrote in
news:#LEJasDFFHA.4072
@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl:

=--(COUNTIF(A1,"*fred*")0)


What is the =-- for?

Tim