VLookup

[L.Mathe]

I'm working with Excel 2003 and created a workbook (1 worksheet) to compare 3
columns of data. Each column varies in number of rows, but could have as
many as 800 lines. Two problems (although minor, as I have a work-around to
resolve), but I am wondering if there is a better way to do it.

Columns C, D & E have the data I need to compare. In Column A there is a
VLookup formula that compares C & D to find a match. Then in Column B, I did
another VLookup formula that looks for a match for the results of Column A &
E. It works, but possibly there is a better solution.

Second problem, each day we are copying a new set of data into the next
blank column (F), then deleting Column C, so that we always have only 3
columns. Of course when Column C is deleted, the formula goes to REF#. I
did a work around by writing a small macro that re-inputs the formulas into
Columns A & B. Is there any way to retain the formula?

Thanks for any help.

 

[Bob Phillips]

First problem.

Why do you use VLOOKUP to compare two cells, why not just use

=C2=D2

Second problem

Why delete column C, just copy over it.

 

[L.Mathe]

The data could be anywhere in the other 2 columns (or may not). So I need to
find the data that matches (exists) in all 3 columns.

Second problem: What we have to do is sequentially pull in the previous
day's work for comparison. IE: Col C has the work from Mar. 1, Col. D is
Mar. 2, and Col. E is Mar. 3. So the following day I will copy the work of
Mar 4 into the next empty column, eliminate Mar 1, so I am working only with
Mar 2, 3 & 4th data, etc. The day after, it would be Mar 3, 4 & 5th, etc.

Hope this explains it better!

 

[CellShocked]

Is the data numeric or text?

And what exactly is meant when you say the word "compare"?

Are the cells being used as "checkboxes" and you look for them to have
an "x" or other non-blank character?

 

[L.Mathe]

I may have used the wrong word when I wrote 'compare'. What I need to do is
find the numbers (19 digit number formatted as Text) that are in Column C, D
and E. If it is in all 3 columns then I need the number displayed (either in
another column, highlighted, or something) in order to do something with the
data.

I hope this helps to clarify.

 

[Max]

In say, F2:
=IF(AND(COUNTA(C2:E2)=3,AND(C2=D2,C2=E2,D2=E2)),C2,"")
Copy down. Success? hit YES below

 

[L.Mathe]

Sorry, this didn't work. What I have to accomplish is to find if what is in
Col. C is in D & E, so that I have a match in all 3 columns. The data could
be in any row from 2 to approximatley 500. I think it would need some kind
of array formula which I am not familiar with.

Thanks for your input. I find this forum is has so many helpful people and
so many great suggestions!

 

[CellShocked]

I may have used the wrong word when I wrote 'compare'. What I need to do is
find the numbers (19 digit number formatted as Text) that are in Column C, D
and E. If it is in all 3 columns then I need the number displayed (either in
another column, highlighted, or something) in order to do something with the
data.

I hope this helps to clarify.

So, it appears that you are using the cell contents as the elements of
a logical "AND" expression type scenario. Not so much what is in the
cell, but three like values in the same row of three chronologically
segregated columns?

 

[Max]

That was a guess. Think its best that you illustrate your query/scenario.
Paste some sample data before/after, show what you have, explain what you
want to make happen.

 

[L.Mathe]

Hi Max,

A sample of the WS I have:

Col. C Col. D Col. E
4-Mar-10 5-Mar-10 6-Mar-10
6333880064104573811 6333880064111021143 6333880064143241511
6333880064109655852 6333880064132072661 6333880064125485573
6333880064143241511 6333880064132072661 6333880064147798581
6333880064147798581 6333880064143241511 6333880064206960742

There could be as many as 500 rows of data per in column, but will vary in
the number of rows. Using the numbers in Col. C, I need to see if it exists
in BOTH Col. D & E. If the number is in all 3 columns, I need it either
hightlighted, displayed in another column, or something to reference the
number. In my original submission to this forum, as stated, what I am doing
right now is, in Col. A I have VLookup formula
(=VLOOKUP(Sheet1!C3,Sheet1!D$2$1000,1,FALSE) that gives me the numbers that
match in Col. C & D. In Col. B, VLookup
(=VLOOKUP(Sheet1!A3,Sheet1!E$2:E$1000,1,FALSE) gives me a match of Col. A &
D. So the end results would look like:

Col. A Col. B
#N/A #N/A
#N/A #N/A
6333880064143241511 6333880064143241511
#N/A #N/A

I hope this helps. But, please don't feel a solution must be found, as what
I have works right now. I thought there might be a better (easier) way of
accomplishing the same. I am relatively new to Excel (about 2 years into
it), and always looking to improve what I have.

Thanks!

 

[Bob Phillips]

Try

=IF(AND(ISNUMBER(MATCH(C3,D,0)),ISNUMBER(MATCH(C3,E:E,0))),C3,"")

 

[Max]

Put this into say, F2, normal ENTER will do
=IF(SUMPRODUCT((ISNUMBER(MATCH(C2,D$2$600,0)))*(ISNUMBER(MATCH(C2,E$2:E$600,0))))>0,C2,"")
Copy down to the last row of data in col C. Col F will return the desired
results. Adapt the ranges to suit the actual extents. voila? wave it, hit YES
below

 

[Max]

Former was overkill, sorry. This suffices in F2, copied down,
but I think Bob has beaten me to it:
=IF(AND(ISNUMBER(MATCH(C2,D,0)),ISNUMBER(MATCH(C2,E:E,0))),C2,"")

 

[L.Mathe]

You guys are GREAT! - This works.

Thank you!!

 

[L.Mathe]

You guys are GREAT! - This works.

Thank you!!

 

[Max]

Welcome, Linda