The only function that may work for you is the COUNTIF(<Range,<Criteria)
function to count the number of occurences that meets the criteria or the
SUMIF(<Criteria Range,<Criteria,[<Sum Range]) function to sum up the
total of the values based on the criteria that has been met.

Note: <Criteria Range is just the range that the <Criteria argument is
ran against, though if <Sum Range is left out, then what's in <Criteria
Range gets summed up for those values that met criteria.

--
Ronald R. Dodge, Jr.
Production Statistician
Master MOUS 2000
"Chris" wrote in message
...
Hello all,

Is there a way to count the amount of a specific item "ie.
R" in XL2000. I am presently playing with the =COUNTA
(A5:L31) or =COUNT(A5:L31) functions to no avail

any help is greatly appreciated

cheers
Chris