If you want a sum based on one condition then SUMIF is the function to use:

If column J = "X" sum column N:

=SUMIF(J:J,"X",N:N)

You would only need to use SUMPRODUCT if there is more than a single
condition involved:

If column J = "X" and column K = 100 sum column N:

=SUMPRODUCT(--(J1:J100="X"),--(K1:K100=100),N1:N100)

Note that with SUMPRODUCT you can't use entire columns as range references
(unless you're using Excel 2007).

Biff

"rainbowraven" wrote in message
...
I have a huge spread sheet that I'd like to automate. My current delima is
how to calculate a dollar amount in one cell with information from column
J
based on the criteria, same row, but in column N. I've tried the
sumproduct
information but I'm entering it in wrong ... I've read the questions here
and I know this should be a relatively simply formula but I can not get my
brain wrapped around it. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Donna