vlookup problem

[Fellow Wanderer]

I have the following formula

=VLOOKUP($A7,'Power List'!$B$2:$DP$441,25)

Column B in the table array has a formula which results in either 0 or a
unique number. Of course, this unique value corresponds to the desired
lookup value in column A.

The column index (in this case 25) has either text or numeric values.

The result I am receiving is not even close to what is expected. Is there a
limit on the size of a table array, or the column index? I have used vlookup
countless times in smaller tables that work, so I'm confused as to why it's
not working now.

 

[Sean Timmons]

Is this in a range lookup? Is column b sorted? If you add a ,0 at the end, it
will be an exact match lookup...

 

[Fellow Wanderer]

No, it is not in a range lookup, and yes, column b is sorted in ascending
order.

 

[Sean Timmons]

Any possible extra spaces at the end of either the lookup value or inside the
table?

Are cells numeric but not formatted as number?

You definitely have the formula correct...

 

[Fellow Wanderer]

I've checked and they are all formatted the same. The funny thing is that I
can get it to work if I make the lookup array smaller and only want about the
20th column.

That is what leads me to believe there is some kind of limit. I solved the
problem by using an offset and match function instead, but I'm still curious
about why it's not working.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Sean Timmons]

Can't say I've gone THAT far across a row, but I've done 42 columns. Have you
tried changing to

=VLOOKUP($A7,'Power List'!$B$2:$Z$441,25)

since that's as far across as you'd need?