Need VLOOKUP alternative for duplicate values

Hello,
I have a 2 columns, 1 of numbers and the other with corresponding labels:

3.50 Label1
3.25 Label2
2.75 Label3
3.25 Label4
2.00 Label5
...

In my final output, i need to get the 4 Labels corresponding to the lowest values in the above list. Right now I am using the SMALL formular to get the numbers sorted in ascending order, then using a VLOOKUP on each of the 'SMALL' results to lookup the corresponding label. My results look like this:

Label5 2.00
Label3 2.75
Label2 3.25
*Label2* 3.25
Label1 3.50

As you can see, I'm almost there except for one problem: because there are duplicate values in the source data, the VLOOKUP is picking up Label2 twice where in fact I'd want it to display 'Label4' in the asterisked row above.

Can anyone help with a simple workaround to the above?

Much appreciated in advance.
Ranjith

Ranjith, you can do what you want but you will invariably end up using expensive array formulae... the better option is to use a Pivot Table for this. You can easily set up a Pivot Table to show you the associated values of column 2 based on the Bottom 5 values in column 1.

If you set Column 2 as ROW Field and Column 1 as a DATA Field (Sum)

Then right click on of your ROW Values (eg Label1) then pending version of XL:

Pre XL07:

Choose Field Settings -> Advanced -> AutoSort Options -- set to Asc -> Using Field -- set to "Sum of ..." -> Top10 Auto Show -> On -> Show -- set Bottom 5 --> Using Field -- set to "Sum of..."

XL2007:

Click Sort -> More Sort Options -> Sort Asc based on "Sum of..."
Right click on Label value again:
Choose Filter -> Top10 -> Show -- set to Bottom -- 5 items -- based on "Sum of..."

Hi,
One way is to introduce a column to the left of your numbers and use the formula:

=RANK(B1,$B$1:$B$5,1)+COUNTIF($B$1:B1,B1)-1 and drag down this will give you numbers a unique address for you to use Vlookup

Hope this helps
Regards Howard

Thanks Howard - RANK function worked a treat. Cheers.