Susan has attended:
Excel Introduction course
Excel Intermediate course
Excel Advanced course
VLook UP
Please can you assist.
When creating a VLook Up query I get a N/A unless I remove the "false" in the formula. However, if I do remove it the data is incorrect.
RE: VLook UP
Hello Susan
Thank you for your question.
The 'false' part of the vlookup function tells Excel that there needs to be an exact match to the lookup value (first part of the vlookup function), otherwise you will get an N/A result.
For example, if I am using the number 5 as my lookup value, and there is no number 5 in the leftmost column of my table array (second part of the function), then Excel displays N/A as my lookup value doesn't exist.
If I remove the 'false' from the function, then you are telling Excel that it only needs to find an approximate match to my lookup value (i.e. 'near enough is good enough').
Using the previous example, if I removed the 'false' and Excel found the number 4 in the leftmost column of the table array, it would then pull out the corresponding piece of data from the same row that the number 4 appears in.
I hope this helps to explain what is happening. Let me know if you have any further questions.
Amanda
RE: VLook UP
Thank you for your explaination.
How do I resolve this?
RE: VLook UP
Hi Susan
What would you like to happen if Excel returns an N/A error? Leave the cell blank instead of displaying NA?
Amanda
RE: VLook UP
Hi Amanda
I really not that bothered if it displays N/A or leaves a blank when there is no corresponding data to pull. I just need to be sure that the data it does pull across is correct.
I can send an example spreadsheet if that helps.
RE: VLook UP
Hi Susan
Entering false into the last part of the function will ensure that the correct data is pulled out. If what you are asking Excel to find doesn't exist in the leftmost column of the table array you have specified (second part of the function), then the N/A error will display.
I hope this helps.
Amanda
