I have vlookups and match functions pointing to a templated field
where the user types in the number. After the user types in the ref
number the formulas still show #N/A. The formulas will only update
for values once I use Text to Columns to change the field to General
format. Is there a way where this does not need to happen?

Make sure that your entry values match the values in the table.

If the table has real numbers, make sure your input cells are formatted as
General (or Number), but not Text. Then type the value.

If the table has text numbers, then make sure your input cells are formatted as
Text--then type the value.

Changing the format of the cell won't change the underlying value. You have to
do something special (reenter the value--or the data|text to columns stuff) to
convert the value.

Debra Dalgleish has some notes for debugging =vlookup()/=index(match()):
http://contextures.com/xlFunctions02.html#Trouble

wrote:

I have vlookups and match functions pointing to a templated field
where the user types in the number. After the user types in the ref
number the formulas still show #N/A. The formulas will only update
for values once I use Text to Columns to change the field to General
format. Is there a way where this does not need to happen?

--

Dave Peterson