Let's assume the column in question is column A.

You can enter this formula in column to count the characters:

=LEN(A1)

Copy down as needed.

You can also set data validation to not allow entries over 30 characters.
However, this can be defeated by copying/pasting into a validated cell or by
drag -n- drop.

Select the range of cells where you want this to apply.
Goto DataValidation
Allow: Text Length
Data: less than or equal to
Maximum: 30
OK out

--
Biff
Microsoft Excel MVP


"patsfan" wrote in message
...
Using Microsoft Excel, I need to keep the amount of characters in a column
below 30. I think some are more than that. Using a formula in one
column,
can I ask the software to count the number of characters in another column
so
I don't have to manually count? Or if it is easier can I just ask it to
cut
off the characters after 30?