until something is in G13, and the lists are sorted in ascending order

Steve

"Aladin Akyurek" wrote in message
...

"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