Nope. You need something like=SUM(IF(H1:H3="H",1,H1:H3))

which is an array formula, it should be committed with Ctrl-Shift-Enter, not
just Enter.
Excel will automatically enclose the formula in braces (curly brackets), do
not try to do this manually.
When editing the formula, it must again be array-entered.

--
HTH

Bob

(there's no email, no snail mail, but somewhere should be gmail in my addy)

"Dave" wrote in message
...
Hi, I know how to use auto sum feature using numbers,but I need it to pick
up
a letter rather than numbers. Can this be done, as I need to use "H" for
holiday,but need this to be deducted off a spread sheet every time it is
used.

Thanks