Helping with creating formula (Maybe Vlookup?)

[excelnewb112]

Hello.

I'm pretty new to Excel. Recently I started working with a lot of data. So far I've been doing the work manually but it's very, VERY time consuming and not realistic in the long run.

I handle a lot of purchasing. I have a database where I can see all the purchasing. Right now I pull that data and then I manually organize the data into a chart, which is shared with the different department managers.

I created a worksheet with some fake numbers and examples to better explain.

This is what the data I export looks like but with way more data:
Screen_Shot_2016_09_30_at_1_35_51_PM.png

Then I have a different worksheet with a better looking chart that groups all the purchasing together by category (apples, bananas, carrots, etc.):
Screen_Shot_2016_09_30_at_1_35_56_PM.png

I was thinking of V-Lookup but for each category, there are numerous orders placed and I don't know how to go about this or if this is even possible.

Hopefully this makes some sense >.<

[Glenn Kennedy]

Hi there... and welcome to the Excel Forum. You have attached an image. That's not very easy to work with. We have to re-type your information before we can begin to address your problem. That will put a lot of people off completely. Not only that, but (depending on their choice of browser) many members cannot even see the image.

It looks like a Pivot Table should be good for your needs.

Will you please attach a sample Excel workbook? Please don't attach a picture of one.

1. Make sure that your sample data are REPRESENTATIVE of your real data. The use of unrepresentative data is very frustrating and can lead to long delays in reaching a solution.

2. Make sure that your desired solution is also shown (mock up the results manually).

3. Make sure that all confidential information is removed first!!

4. Try to avoid using merged cells. They cause lots of problems!

Unfortunately the attachment icon doesn't work at the moment. So, to attach an Excel file you have to do the following: Just before posting, scroll down to Go Advanced and then scroll down to Manage Attachments. Now follow the instructions at the top of that screen.