Need Better Examples for VLOOKUP and the like

[BigJDevine]

Complex functions like VLOOKUP need better examples. Specifically, all
examples shown use a multi-column cell range reference for the table that
start with a cell in column A, and the 3rd operand is the column number of
the value to be returned. If my range is c5:e18, and I specify the column
number (3rd operand) of 5 (expecting that 5 is the equivalent of column E) I
get a !REF error ... the Function is expecting that the third operand is a
column number relative to the first column in the multi-column cell range
reference (that is, in my example, c=1, d=2, e=3, as opposed to e=5, the
typical case in most cell references). I may have missed that VLOOKUPs 3rd
operand is the "relative" column number, but I don't think so.

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http://www.microsoft.com/office/com...dg=microsoft.public.excel.worksheet.functions

 

[Anne Troy]

Sorry, I don't understand your description. It took me forEVER to understand
VLOOKUP, so I explain it the way it was taught to me:
http://www.officearticles.com/excel/vlookup_formulas_in_microsoft_excel.htm
And I have a tutorial here that teaches how to use it:
http://www.officearticles.com/tutorials/order_form_or_invoice_form_in_microsoft_excel.htm
I hope they help.
************
Anne Troy
www.OfficeArticles.com

 

[DOR]

I believe the best advice and education for anyone about to use the VLOOKUP
function is "Don't! Use INDEX/MATCH instead." The INDEX/MATCH combination
does not need the columnar scope of the table to be defined; it is impervious
to inserted columns, which throw the VLOOKUP function out of kilter; and it
allows look-ups of the columns to the left of the criterion or match column.
I have not used VLOOKUP in many many years and haven't missed it one bit.
Rather than explain it better, Microsoft should advise users to use
INDEX/MATCH instead.

 

[namrataparswani]

vlookup examples for date like
EMP CODE NAME DOJ
1 A 2-Dec-07
2 B 3-Dec-07
3 C 4-Dec-07
4 D 5-Dec-07

url:http://www.ureader.com/msg/104211759.aspx

 

[namrataparswani]

EMP CODE NAME DOJ
1 A 2-Dec-07
2 B 3-Dec-07
3 C 4-Dec-07
4 D 5-Dec-07

url:http://www.ureader.com/msg/104211759.aspx