Using Vlookup on trim function error need help ASAP

**jkthompson9011** · 05-01-2014, 11:01 PM

A little back history, I'm taking 3 very different reports and consolidating them into one manageable readable form. Only problem is that no 1 report has the same info. I've created a key to help my form pick up the same information that is read differently. As my spreadsheet grows so do the formula issues. I've had one report that has been the biggest pain to break apart. It takes several things and consolidates them, ex: big 2014 girl - dog 20145

I'm using a trim formula to read the last 5 digits that is the only consistent part of the string. =right(J3,5) to trim what i need to read (20145). this formula works. I'm than trying to preform a Vlookup based on what is returned from the trim. The trim number is located in a separate tab as the "key" 20145 = golden Labradors. formula for vlookup that works by itself, but throws up a blank cell when i point it to the trim cell. =iferror(vlookup($A2,Info!A:ZZ,2,False)" ")

$A2 = the info 20145 from the trim
Info! = is the tab with my 20145 = golden Labradors
A:ZZ = the range in which i need it to find 20145
2 = the second column where it should find 20145 = golden Labradors
False = exact match.

Please someone tell me why my formulas work separately but not when used together? The Vlookup will work if I type in the number 20145. I don't want to type 20145 anymore. I want to use the trim and have the vlookup notice the number pulled from the trim. Please help

**azumi** · 05-01-2014, 11:20 PM

Maybe you'll get fast response when you decribe ptoblem with sample workbook, try to upload it at the forum.

Click "Go Advanced" button and them find "Paperclip" to attach your file....

Cheers

**FDibbins** · 05-02-2014, 01:42 AM

Hi and welcome to the forum

1st, when using a vlookup() try and avoid using full column references, it could slow things down. Rather, use a range that is closer to what your data is A1:B1000 etc
2nd, if you are only looking in the 2nd column, you dont need to go out to column ZZ

3rd, if what you are searching for is actually a number/value, then you need to convert your =RiGHT() to a value. LEFT/RIGHT/MID always return a string answer, even if it looks like a value. So maybe try this...
=iferror(vlookup($A2*1,Info!A1:B1000,2,False)" ")