One way


=SUMPRODUCT(--(ISNUMBER(SEARCH("pension",A2:A9))),--(B2:B9="Fred"),C2:C9)



--
Regards,

Peo Sjoblom

(No private emails please)


"JEH" wrote in message
...
Can someone help me please? In the example below, what formula would I
use
to sum data in column C that relates to Fred's combined pensions. Note
the
string 'pension' or 'pensions' is in not particular position.

Col A Col B Col C
multi sector - Pensions Fred $100,000
Pension - Equity Fred $150,000
Pensions - Lifetime Fred $100,000
Equities Fred $90,000
Property Fred $45,000
Pension - Allocated Mary $50,000
multi sector - Pensions Mary $75,000
Pension - Equity Mary $100,000

I think I need to nest criterion bit despite trying examples given in
discussion posts on this site am having trouble getting anything to work.

If you can help, thanks in advance.
John.