Problem with Vlookup function

**crimewatcher** · 12-12-2007, 05:44 AM

I keep track of winning lottery numbers. Created a spreadsheet that looks up the last date a number was drawn therefore the list is descending order. Vlookup will work if the number drawn is in the 1st column. Vlookup will NOT work if the number drawn is in the 2nd column.

What is wrong with the formula on the right?

Thanks!

**EdMac** · 12-12-2007, 05:54 AM

Hi,

VLOOKUP will not search to the left of the match - only the right. You need to use index and match if you go that way. Alternatively re-order your columns

Ed

**starguy** · 12-12-2007, 07:38 AM

Originally Posted by crimewatcher

I keep track of winning lottery numbers. Created a spreadsheet that looks up the last date a number was drawn therefore the list is descending order. Vlookup will work if the number drawn is in the 1st column. Vlookup will NOT work if the number drawn is in the 2nd column.

What is wrong with the formula on the right?

Thanks!

See how combination of INDEX/MATCH works.

http://contextures.com/xlFunctions03.html