try:

=VLOOKUP(C1,A1:B250,2,0)

The last parameter (0 or FALSE) doesn't rquire the data to be sorted.
Omitting this requires the data in first column (A) to be sorted and hence
you will get your "random" results.

HTH

" wrote:

I tried reading other posts to see if has been human error on my part
as to why my vlookup function seems to have reached a limit and/or
returns random values.

I've already checked the field from which the formula should cover
(for instance: A1:A250). I have over 200 rows and will progressively
grow as I continually add more data to throughout the year.

Now, what I'm seeing happen after the 49th row is that it cycles
around or randomly chooses a value completely off from the actual
data.

Take for instance: (search for Name5):C1=(UserDefined)

12 Name1
..
..
..
39 Name 2
..
..
..
48 Name3
49 Name4
50 Name5

The formula I tried: =VLOOKUP(C1,A1:A250,2)

So long as I stretch the formula's search field to cover to the 49th
row, it is all true and correct. 49 is and correct and accordingly,
Name4. But, when I extend the search field to the 50th row, it returns
Name1. If I stretch it to the search 54 rows, it returns Name2.

I also tried other methods such as: (being that column A is the number
column and column B are the names. C1=User Defined for the names)

=INDEX(A1:A250,MATCH(C1,B1:B250)+0

I still get a random value returned to me again.

If I could find out where I'm going wrong from anyone, I would greatly
appreciate it, thanks.