Vlookup

[Arrow_Raider]

If I have a table that has the data i want to search through for my lookup phrase NOT on the left-most column, how do i do the vlookup? When defining ranges, if i want to have a range that has its columns rearranged, i can define the range like this: E1:E100, C1:C100. However, because the vlookup thing is a function, it gets confused by the comma in that range. How else can i define this range?

-I have tried naming the range before hand by doing insert->range, but that didn't work. It gave an error when i tried calling that range in the function.

-I can NOT rearrange the columns, so don't suggest that.

[Webtest]

What exactly is your data format? Give an example of what range of cells contains your reference information and what range of cells contains the information to be retrieved. Are you looking for discrete values of your reference, or are you looking for ranges?

It sounds like you are going to have to 'roll your own' lookup, but that's not too difficult.

[Arrow_Raider]

Ok, basically, i have been asked to teach someone how to use vlookup. This seems like a very common and possible situation; having the data not in the exact perfect order.... i can't understand why microsoft would make this so limited. And if the guy asks me how to do this in this situation, I will have no idea what to do. What are you saying about creating a custom lookup?

[Webtest]

I am not quite sure what you are trying to accomplish. Please answer the questions I asked. The answers make a big difference in how the program must be written:

What exactly is your data format? Give an example of what range of cells contains your reference information and what range of cells contains the information to be retrieved. Are you looking for discrete values of your reference, or are you looking for ranges?

It sounds like you are going to have to 'roll your own' lookup, but that's not too difficult.

MS can't be "all things for all people". Most of their software is grossly bloated anyway. I use VLOOKUP a lot and have never had to use it on split ranges.