INDEX-MATCH to find next highest value (unsorted data)

**Lady222** · 07-25-2012, 04:55 PM

Hello Everybody!

I am working on a spreadsheet in which I must locate the next higher value in an unsorted table. No, I can't re-sort the table.

I can't use VLOOKUP or HLOOKUP because the LOOKUP function only finds the next lower value.
I have been attempting to use an INDEX-MATCH formula, but I am running into trouble, as I need an approximate match, and I cannot use the "-1" data_type with an unsorted table.

To clarify with values, a cell contains the value 0.58.
I have a table that looks like the following:

Load: .60 .61 .62
Pmax 34 45 64

I want to find the approximate Pmax value for the percent .58. Thus, I want a function that will give me the Pmax value for .60, as it is the next highest percent. In this case, the value I am looking for is 34.

I wish I could post a workbook, but this is confidential work material.
Any help is GREATLY appreciated!

**TMS** · 07-25-2012, 04:58 PM

The example you have given is in ascending order.

To best describe or illustrate your problem you would be better off attaching a dummy workbook. The workbook should contain the same structure and some dummy data of the same type as the type you have in your real workbook - so, if a cell contains numbers & letters in this format abc-123 then that should be reflected in the dummy workbook.

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Regards, TMS

**Lady222** · 07-25-2012, 05:42 PM

I hope this works!
You're right. My data IS sorted in ascending order. However, I believe to use the INDEX-MATCH function, you have to have your data sorted in descending order. Please use the attached example for references, and disregard the table in the original post. Thanks!

**TMS** · 07-25-2012, 06:30 PM

In the absence of any other solution, you could try this UDF:

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Use as: =INDEX($B$4:$E$4,reverselookup(B7, $B$1:$E$1))

Regards, TMS

**martindwilson** · 07-25-2012, 07:30 PM

is that the full table? what if its an exact match?
you could round up then look up the value
=LOOKUP(MAX(CEILING(b7,0.01),0.6),B1:E1)

**Lady222** · 07-26-2012, 10:15 AM

@ martindwilson: Thanks so much! I combined your CEILING function formula with a LOOKUP formula, and it worked perfectly!
@ TMShucks: I appreciate the code! I have never used a UDF before, but I will have to try it in my spare time.