COUNT not working in file resulting from template

[bds]

I created formulas and saved the file as a template. I then imported data onto another sheet in that template and saved it as a file.

A simple COUNT function refuses to count. The function is

=COUNT(hands!$A$3:$A$64995)

I deleted the function and retyped it in - answer 0
I deleted the function and used the function wizard and selected the referenced cells on the sheet - answer 0
I went back into the file that I created the template from and changed the number of entries on the sheet named "hands" - and the formula returned the correct, lower number.

I have no idea why this formula isn't working. Other much more complex formulas appear to be working correctly. Please help.

 

[bds]

Hmmm - there is one difference between the data in the test file and the data that won't count. Column A in the test file has as an entry a number like 4652169094. In the file where it won't count, the entries in the A column are numbers like 44593829-1714. Can the format of the entry be creating the problem? If so, how the heck do I fix this?

 

[Datsmart]

The "COUNT" function only counts numbers, as you explained, it looks like your data is "Text". Try using COUNTA instead.

 

[bds]

That works. So many things to learn. Thanks so much for sharing. It is amazing to me that there are so many people willing to help someone struggle through learning this program. Your help is appreciated!