How to Adapt VLOOKUP to Cope with Sub-Staging in Data Layout

[SmittyCL]

Hi,

I'm having an issue returning the 'Expected Title Date' for one of our projects - Stage 3 of the development has been broken into sub-stages (3A, 3B & 3C).

The current formula in use is: =IF((VLOOKUP(B1,Input!H21:V27,'Internal Reports'!B2+4)-14)<0,"Titled",VLOOKUP(B1,Input!H21:V27,'Internal Reports'!B2+4)-"14"). This is working fine for projects and stages that just have a numeric value (I.e. '1', '2', etc.); however, I'm getting the '#VALUE!' error once I use a data validation list to navigate to this particular project with sub-staging.

I understand this is because the formula is attempting to add 3'A'+4 - in the formula above, where can I insert the ISNUMBER function to have it dismiss the lettering? Or is there another function to be used?

I can provide further explanation of the context and worksheets/data at play if need be. Hoping it's just the particular placement of the ISNUMBER function as opposed to rewriting the entire formula.

Thanks.

[AliGW]

Administrative Note:

Welcome to the forum.

We would very much like to help you with your query, however the thread title does not really convey what your request is about.

Please take a moment to amend your thread title. Make sure that the title properly explains your request. Your title should be explicit and not be generic (this includes function names used without an indication of what you are trying to achieve).

Please see Forum Rule #1 about proper thread titles and adjust accordingly. To edit the thread title, open the original post to edit and then click on Go Advanced (bottom right) to access the area where you can edit your title.

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[AliGW]

To be honest, it sounds to me that it is a reworking of the data layout that is required, but to be certain, 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.

[SmittyCL]

Thanks for your response.

I have attached a basic workbook:

Sheet 1 displays a very basic pro-forma of the real sheet formula I'm trying to solve. I need the data validation drop down (Project & Stage) to align with the 'Expected Settlements' table on Sheet 2 to populate the correct Expected Titles Date on Sheet 1.

I know the issue is with the column index number (specifically the 'B2+5' component which needs to adapt to column numbering on Sheet 2) - additionally, and relating to my original question, how can I have it ignore the 'A', 'B' & 'C' sub-staging under Stage 3 for Estate 4?

[AliGW]

Try this basic INDEX MATCH:

=INDEX(Sheet2!$G$3:$Q$9,MATCH(Sheet1!B1,Sheet2!$E$3:$E$9,0),MATCH(Sheet1!B2,Sheet2!$G$2:$Q$2,0))

[SmittyCL]

Thanks for that, it worked .

[AliGW]

Yup!!!

If that takes care of your original question, please select Thread Tools from the menu link above and mark this thread as SOLVED. Thanks.