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OFFSET and MATCH in VLOOKUP not producing consistent results

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    Question OFFSET and MATCH in VLOOKUP not producing consistent results

    I'm struggling to work out where this formula is going wrong, so any guidance will be greatly appreciated!

    Background:
    I have 2 tabs - the Refined Data tab contains all of the reference data for each item. Each item is on one row, with columns A:Z containing the attributes for that item. The Summary tab displays the results that I am pulling from the Refined Data tab - again, one row per item.

    Problem:
    I am trying to create a matrix that will help show me whether a specific phrase is present on the Refined Data tab for each item. I can use VLOOKUP to find the item, and am trying to use a combination of MATCH and OFFSET to look along the row and see if the phrase exists. The number of columns is variable for each row, but all are no wider than A:Z. Ideally I would only like to search for the phrase from column I:Z.

    The formula I am using does work, as in there are no errors, but it is not pulling back consistent results (i.e. it's displaying phrases that are not the same as "specific text", and not consistently producing the expected results)

    Attempted formula:
    =VLOOKUP($E7,'Refined Data'!$A:$Z,MATCH("specific text",OFFSET('Refined Data'!$1:$1,MATCH(Summary!$E7,'Refined Data'!$A:$A,0),0),0),0)

    Any suggestions?
    Last edited by leroyj48; 08-10-2018 at 06:31 AM. Reason: Sample workbook added

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    Forum Moderator AliGW's Avatar
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    Re: OFFSET and MATCH in VLOOKUP not producing consistent results

    Will you please attach a sample Excel workbook? We are not able to work with or manipulate a picture of one and nobody wants to have to recreate your data from scratch.

    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 results are also shown (mock up the results manually).

    3. Make sure that all confidential data is removed or replaced with dummy data first (e.g. names, addresses, E-mails, etc.).

    4. Try to avoid using merged cells as 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.

    Please pay particular attention to point 2 (above): without an idea of your intended outcomes, it is often very difficult to offer appropriate advice.
    Ali


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    Forum Expert tim201110's Avatar
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    Re: OFFSET and MATCH in VLOOKUP not producing consistent results

    should be: =VLOOKUP($E7,'Refined Data'!$A:$Z,MATCH(=VLOOKUP($E7,'Refined Data'!$A:$Z,MATCH("specific text",OFFSET('Refined Data'!$1:$1,MATCH(Summary!$E7,'Refined Data'!$A:$A,0),0),0),0),OFFSET('Refined Data'!$1:$1,MATCH(Summary!$E7,'Refined Data'!$A:$A,0)-1,0),0),0). isn't it?
    it returns "specific text"
    Attached Files Attached Files

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    Re: OFFSET and MATCH in VLOOKUP not producing consistent results

    Sample workbook attached
    Attached Files Attached Files

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    Re: OFFSET and MATCH in VLOOKUP not producing consistent results

    Excellent, thank you - that's working now using:

    =VLOOKUP($E4,'Refined Data'!$A:$Z,MATCH(P3,OFFSET('Refined Data'!$1:$1,MATCH(Summary!$E4,'Refined Data'!$A:$A,0)-1,0),0),0)

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