Create a named range with your alphabet in one column and the numbering in
another column, say AA1:AA26 = A-Z and AB1:AB26 = 1-26. Highlight the range
(AA1:AB26), choose Insert, Name, Define, type in CodeTable in the window,
click Add, click OK.

In cell B1 enter the following formula:

=IF(ISNA(VLOOKUP(A1,CodeTable,2,FALSE)),"",VLOOKUP (A1,CodeTable,2,FALSE))

Select B1, drag the formula across the row as far as you want, as long as
you don't pass Column AA which is your table. You can create your named
range, CodeTable, anywhere you want of course.

Working with children, I would suggest unlocking all the entry cells in Row
1, then protect the worksheet. This will allow the children to enter in the
cells you choose and the formulas for the lookup will remain in tact.

Regards,

Alan




"James E Middleton" wrote in message
...
I am looking for an easy was to make a alphabet code game for my students.

I want to give them words or sentences to 'decode'

For example; 2-1-3-11 = back

8-5 12-9-11-5-19 3-1-20-19. = He likes cats.

Something as simple as Col A 1-4: b,a,c,k outputs in Col B 1-4: 2,1,3,11

I don't mind formatting it after into something useable, however, if it
was possible:

In Row1 type the word or sentence, one letter in each cell, numbers are
output in Row2.

Thanks!

PS. if this can be done, is it possible to have the letters generate any
number as a code?

For example, a = 26, z = 1, or a = 10, b=20, etc