I need to count the number of less-than signs (<) in a column. The column with the data has a lookup function that returns either a number or the less-than sign from another worksheet. The purpose is to count the number of non-detects (identified by the less-than sign) for laboratory water-quality data. I can't enter new columns for a different identifier to replace the less-than sign (although I might have to consider that option), nor can I use an array formula. I'm using COUNT, COUNTA and COUNTIF functions for related tasks, but the less-than sign appears to be problematic with these functions.

Thanks!