Not sure, but sounds like a VLOOKUP* may be suitable

You might want to try Debra's page at:
http://www.contextures.com/xlFunctions02.html
(there's also a sample book available for d/l on her page)

*with error traps to return blanks if the lookup value is blank, and another
for unmatched cases possibly, something like:
=IF(A2="","",IF(ISNA(VLOOKUP(...)),"",VLOOKUP(...) ))

But do hang around awhile for Bob's response ..
--
Rgds
Max
xl 97
---
Singapore, GMT+8
xdemechanik
http://savefile.com/projects/236895
--
"John" wrote in message
...
Well yes if A is blank. Basically, I have a returned material database in
excel in which I enter the items I receive. I have to enter three pieces
of
data: the product number, serial number, and the product description. I
want
to be able to type the product number in cell A and in turn, get the
product
description in cell C. And i want to set up a function for that proceeds
through the entire excel sheet. If you know of an easier way or a better
program to use that would be extremely helpful. Thanks.