Count items in an Excel column

I have an Excel spreadsheet that returns information from another db. I need to count the number of nonconsecutive entries. For example, consider the following column: break break sheet sheet sheet break sheet break sheet break break break The function, when evaluating "break", would return 4. Here is another example: break sheet sheet sheet break break break break break The desired result is 2. Your solution can either be an excel formula or a function that I can paste into my file. You can also provide a macro that deletes all consecutive entries of "break" so that a simple count function will provide the solution. Note: Any solution that creates any kind of errors (overflow, etc.) is not what I am looking for. ## Deliverables 1) Complete and fully-functional working program(s) in executable form as well as complete source code of all work done. 2) Deliverables must be in ready-to-run condition, as follows? (depending on the nature? of the deliverables): a)? For web sites or? other server-side deliverables intended to only ever exist in one place in the Buyer's environment--Deliverables must be installed by the Seller in ready-to-run condition in the Buyer's environment. b) For all others including desktop software or software the buyer intends to distribute: A software? installation package that will install the software in ready-to-run condition on the platform(s) specified in this bid request. 3) All deliverables will be considered "work made for hire" under U.S. Copyright law. Buyer will receive exclusive and complete copyrights to all work purchased. (No GPL, GNU, 3rd party components, etc. unless all copyright ramifications are explained AND AGREED TO by the buyer on the site per the coder's Seller Legal Agreement). ## Platform Win 2000/xp