Count function and users hitting space bar

Hi all,
I have a column on a worksheet B5:B40 which the users need to enter a call number example 1 2 3 4 5 6 and so on some cells will be empty. I use this to count how many calls are entered. =COUNTA(B5:B40) I have now discovered that some users are hitting the space bar and hitting enter when they are in that column which counts that as an entry. Which throws the count way out.

Is there anyway to stop counting space bar blanks or forcing the users to only enter a number ?????

Any ideas

Thanks Stephen

Hi Stephen,

If the data entry range is purely numeric, you can use data validation to stop any blanks (spacebar entries) happening. Assuming the data entry range is B5 to B40 (change to suit if it's not), follow these eight steps:

1. Ensure the cursor is on B5
2. From the Data menu select Validation
3. Click (select) the Settings tab from the Data Validation dialog box (if it isn't already selected)
4. Select Custom from the Allow drop-down list
5. Enter =ISERROR(SEARCH(" ",B5)) in the Formula textbox
6. If you like, enter a custom error message and title in the Error Alert tab
7. Click OK
8. Copy cell B5 to B6:B40

HTH

Robert