Complex functions like VLOOKUP need better examples. Specifically, all
examples shown use a multi-column cell range reference for the table that
start with a cell in column A, and the 3rd operand is the column number of
the value to be returned. If my range is c5:e18, and I specify the column
number (3rd operand) of 5 (expecting that 5 is the equivalent of column E) I
get a !REF error ... the Function is expecting that the third operand is a
column number relative to the first column in the multi-column cell range
reference (that is, in my example, c=1, d=2, e=3, as opposed to e=5, the
typical case in most cell references). I may have missed that VLOOKUPs 3rd
operand is the "relative" column number, but I don't think so.

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Sorry, I don't understand your description. It took me forEVER to understand
VLOOKUP, so I explain it the way it was taught to me:
http://www.officearticles.com/excel/...soft_excel.htm
And I have a tutorial here that teaches how to use it:
http://www.officearticles.com/tutori...soft_excel.htm
I hope they help.
************
Anne Troy
www.OfficeArticles.com

"BigJDevine" wrote in message
...
Complex functions like VLOOKUP need better examples. Specifically, all
examples shown use a multi-column cell range reference for the table that
start with a cell in column A, and the 3rd operand is the column number of
the value to be returned. If my range is c5:e18, and I specify the column
number (3rd operand) of 5 (expecting that 5 is the equivalent of column E)
I
get a !REF error ... the Function is expecting that the third operand is a
column number relative to the first column in the multi-column cell range
reference (that is, in my example, c=1, d=2, e=3, as opposed to e=5, the
typical case in most cell references). I may have missed that VLOOKUPs
3rd
operand is the "relative" column number, but I don't think so.

----------------
This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the "I
Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow
this
link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and then
click "I Agree" in the message pane.

http://www.microsoft.com/office/comm...et.f unctions

I believe the best advice and education for anyone about to use the VLOOKUP
function is "Don't! Use INDEX/MATCH instead." The INDEX/MATCH combination
does not need the columnar scope of the table to be defined; it is impervious
to inserted columns, which throw the VLOOKUP function out of kilter; and it
allows look-ups of the columns to the left of the criterion or match column.
I have not used VLOOKUP in many many years and haven't missed it one bit.
Rather than explain it better, Microsoft should advise users to use
INDEX/MATCH instead.

"Anne Troy" wrote:

Sorry, I don't understand your description. It took me forEVER to understand
VLOOKUP, so I explain it the way it was taught to me:
http://www.officearticles.com/excel/...soft_excel.htm
And I have a tutorial here that teaches how to use it:
http://www.officearticles.com/tutori...soft_excel.htm
I hope they help.
************
Anne Troy
www.OfficeArticles.com

"BigJDevine" wrote in message
...
Complex functions like VLOOKUP need better examples. Specifically, all
examples shown use a multi-column cell range reference for the table that
start with a cell in column A, and the 3rd operand is the column number of
the value to be returned. If my range is c5:e18, and I specify the column
number (3rd operand) of 5 (expecting that 5 is the equivalent of column E)
I
get a !REF error ... the Function is expecting that the third operand is a
column number relative to the first column in the multi-column cell range
reference (that is, in my example, c=1, d=2, e=3, as opposed to e=5, the
typical case in most cell references). I may have missed that VLOOKUPs
3rd
operand is the "relative" column number, but I don't think so.

----------------
This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the "I
Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow
this
link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and then
click "I Agree" in the message pane.

http://www.microsoft.com/office/comm...et.f unctions

vlookup examples for date like
EMP CODE NAME DOJ
1 A 2-Dec-07
2 B 3-Dec-07
3 C 4-Dec-07
4 D 5-Dec-07

url:http://www.ureader.com/msg/104211759.aspx

EMP CODE NAME DOJ
1 A 2-Dec-07
2 B 3-Dec-07
3 C 4-Dec-07
4 D 5-Dec-07

url:http://www.ureader.com/msg/104211759.aspx