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VLOOKUP Error

  1. #1
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    VLOOKUP Error

    Hi,

    I am new to this forum. I am stuck with an issue and I would like to get some help on it, please.


    I have an a VLOOKUP formula, which doesn't seem to work for just 1 value.
    The strange fact is that when I type the lookup value rather than looking at a cell, it works.
    Any idea?
    All the columns are formatted as general. I tried to do Len() and it returns the correct number. This is just to make sure that there are no invisible characters in the cells

    Unfortunately, I am not able to attach my file in this forum.

    Any help is much appreciated

    Thanks

  2. #2
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    Re: VLOOKUP Error

    Hi and welcome to the forum

    Could you just attach a small sample from your workbook so that we can have a look? Please anonymise the data first, but leave the "offending" item in place if possible.

    This kind of thing is usually caused by there being a mis-match between the types of data (numbers which are actually text is a common one), but without seeing the actual data it's kind of hard to be sure.

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    Re: VLOOKUP Error

    Assume the lookup cell is in A1
    Locate the value in the lookup table manually, e.g. B371

    in a blank cell enter
    =(A1=B371)

    If it says FALSE then the values arent the same
    =LEN(A1)
    =LEN(B371)
    ISTEXT(A1) ISNUMBER(A1)
    ISTEXT(B371) ISNUMBER(371)
    as youve partly done should be able to determine why they arent the same
    Regards
    Special-K

    Ensure you describe your problem clearly, I have little time available to solve these problems and do not appreciate numerous changes to them.

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    Re: VLOOKUP Error

    Hi,

    I wanted to attach a file. But I do not see the option at all here?
    Is it that is disabled for me?

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    Re: VLOOKUP Error

    Hi,

    I wanted to attach a file. But when I click the attachment button, nothing happens. I mean I do not get an option to choose which file to attach or anything.
    Is it disabled for me?

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    Re: VLOOKUP Error

    did you try what Special-K recommended?
    to attach, "go advanced" below this box...
    then "manage attachments"
    then "choose file"
    then "upload" - hint, best place to find quickest is to save it to desktop
    then "close this window"
    then if you want check preview post to see it is attached or just submit reply.
    Make contributors happy, click on the "* Add Reputation" as a way to say thank you.
    Sam Capricci

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    Re: VLOOKUP Error

    Hey,
    Thanks!
    Now I realised what is wrong.
    One is text and the other isn't it
    How do I resolve it?

  8. #8
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    Re: VLOOKUP Error

    it depends on why it is text. Can you change the cell to number or general format? if the length is the same and there are no spaces, sometimes just clicking inside the cell then hit return and it will change. sometimes just replacing one number in it will do it.

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    Re: VLOOKUP Error

    Here is the attachment
    Attached Files Attached Files

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    Re: VLOOKUP Error

    on LOOKUP sheet select A1:A5, from DATA menu select Text to Columns and hit Finish

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    Re: VLOOKUP Error

    yes, I just clicked in both A3 and A4 of your summary sheet and then clicked out and both changed to numeric and then the vlookup worked.
    Sometimes I just do the easy way when I have a big file of a lot of cells that are text and they won't match a column of numbers. I do find 0, replace all 0 and that converts those with a 0 from text to number. I repeat it with each number through 9.
    But in your case you can change your vlookup formula to this and it should work. =VLOOKUP(--A3,Lookup!A:B,2,FALSE)

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    Re: VLOOKUP Error

    multiply the text * 1 to make it a value.

    See the attached file.
    Notice my main language is not English.

    I appreciate it, if you reply on my solution.

    If you are satisfied with the solution, please mark the question solved.

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    Re: VLOOKUP Error

    I get the lookup values from a different source. There are many values (probably around 100). I paste the data into my file, and the lookup should pick up automatically. This is what I want to do.
    So I am not sure why one particular value is not text while the others are not

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    Re: VLOOKUP Error

    Thanks a lot, all of you.
    This multiplication solved my problem.
    Now use the VLOOKUP as follows:
    VLOOKUP((A1*1),Lookup!A:B,2,FALSE)

    and it works!!!!




    Quote Originally Posted by oeldere View Post
    multiply the text * 1 to make it a value.

    See the attached file.

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    Re: VLOOKUP Error

    Use method from #10 (it will make all cells in the same format, text), then use one of method from #11 or #12

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    Re: VLOOKUP Error

    You're welcome. We appreciate the feedback!

    If your question has been solved please mark the thread as being solved.

    In the menu bar above the very first post select Thread Tools, then select Mark this thread as solved.

    It'd also be appreciated if you were to click the add Reputation button at the foot of any of the posts of those who helped you reach a solution. (instead of sending a private message)

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    Thumbs up Re: VLOOKUP Error

    ok. Thanks

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    Thumbs up Re: VLOOKUP Error

    Thank you!

    Quote Originally Posted by sandy666 View Post
    Use method from #10 (it will make all cells in the same format, text), then use one of method from #11 or #12

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