"Steven" wrote in message
...
so it would seem my attempt at simplifying a formula has ended up making
it
even worse! thanks for the help guys, but i think it would be easier if i
used the original formula format, unless there's a simpler solution?

Many thanks,
Steve

"why does MS make such simple things so god damn complicated"

Actually, I should have brought up this before making a reply...

What does "until data is input" mean -- until something is in G13 or
something is in MLS!B$2:B$112 (paynumber), MLS!C$2:C$112 (staffnames)?

If the former and using LOOKUP is justified, then what I proposed will do
job.
All this depends of course MLS!B$2:C$112 is sorted in ascending order on
column B (and
covers all possible lookup values). If invoking LOOKUP is justified, there
is no need for:
=IF(ISNA(LOOKUP(),"",LOOKUP())


"Steven" wrote in message
news:K85oc.7912$7S2.2711@newsfe1-win...
i have change some formulars along the lines of this:

=LOOKUP(G13,MLS!B$2:B$112,MLS!C$2:C$112)


change to:

=LOOKUP(G13,paynumber,staffnames)


only problem now is i end up with rows and rows of #N/A's until data is
input, anyway to hide these like you can with zero values?

Many thanks,
Steve