I need a (mega) Exel geek

[SlightlyMadSweet]

I want to use a lookup table

Does my list in column 1 need to be alphabetical?

Don't think, mine are all numerical in either ascending or descending order but i don't think they have to be 'in order'

Could be wrong though

oops, don't think so.

The only reason that I sak is that the couple of sites I have seen have said that you need to be in alpha numerical order....something to do with Excel stopping looking when it gets to teh right point in teh table.....or returning the closest entry.

As I say my Blossom hill is inhibiting my interpretation.

If you use the "lookup" formula, then the list needs to be sorted in ascending order.

If your list isn't sorted, then use vlookup or hlookup.

I was going to use vlookup (i thin)

YES if:

You use MATCH with 1 or -1 as search types.

You use VLOOKUP with TRUE (i.e. if it can't find an exact match it'll find the the nearest value.)

NO if:

You use MATCH with 0 as search type.

You use VLOOKUP with FALSE (i.e. exact matches only)

I never use Lookup, so couldn't tell you about that...

i only ever use vlookup with false, don't think it needs to be sorted for that

they ALWAYS need to be sorted or it won't work! (and use false)

I thought someone might say that

its never worked for me when not sorted though!

littlelapin (i am not stalking you) someone pointed out last week that we are both small creatures. I programme excel for a living too. Are you actually me???