Match() returning wrong row reference

Hi

I'm trying to use the Match() function within a series of nested if statements to match two row references. If the two row references are the same, then I use a vlookup to fill the cell's value.

This function is working well for the majority of my entries, but for some reason doesn't work for a handful of them, and the match() function returns incorrect row references, which then ruins my if statement to check if the row references are the same.

I've attached a zip file with the spreadsheet. Can anyone offer any explanations why the formula isn't working for just those couple of entries?

dee

match is finding correct row. you have more than one pamela so it returns first one it finds in your example its finding Pamela in b12
not pamela in b31 same with frank and david

Originally Posted by dee101

Hi

I'm trying to use the Match() function within a series of nested if statements to match two row references. If the two row references are the same, then I use a vlookup to fill the cell's value.

This function is working well for the majority of my entries, but for some reason doesn't work for a handful of them, and the match() function returns incorrect row references, which then ruins my if statement to check if the row references are the same.

I've attached a zip file with the spreadsheet. Can anyone offer any explanations why the formula isn't working for just those couple of entries?

dee

Because there are more than one occurrence of the First Name.

If you want to find one pair of names in a second table, you should really create another helper column which concatenates the first and second names together, (in both sheets) and use this composite name in your MATCH() function. It will also simplify your formula since you'll only be Matching in one column.

HTH

HTH

Thanks everyone. I should have checked my data set better.

Under normal circumstances I would have created a new column with an Employee ID so then all the employees have a unique identifier, but due to certain data restrictions I haven't been able to.

Again, thanks all for you help.