Vlook up not working on multiple columns

**benji8798** · 05-05-2013, 05:17 PM

Hi, I have my data which has a telephone number in. I need to do a lookup against the telephone number against my sample on another sheet to obtain name, address etc. However the sample sheet has three columns with three different telephone numbers (mobile; home; office). Therefore my original data needs to look up column A against column E,F,G in another sheet. It is only working against one of the columns.

Can a Vlookup look up a range of columns, or is it only one?

Thanks
Sam

**TMS** · 05-05-2013, 05:19 PM

It searches the first column and returns matching data from the other columns.

Regards, TMS

**benji8798** · 05-05-2013, 06:04 PM

Is there another function in Excel where you can search numerous columns to return matching data?

Thanks

**FDibbins** · 05-05-2013, 06:15 PM

you could use a series of nested vlookups.

i would suggest you upload a sample work book, (all sensitive data removed), showing what data you are working with, a few examples of what your expected outcome is, and how you arrived at that
To attach a file to your post,
click advanced (next to quick post),
scroll down until you see "manage file",
click that and select "add files" (top right corner).
click "select files" find your file, click "open" click "upload" click 'done" bottom right. click "submit reply"

Once the upload is completed the file name will appear below the input boxes in this window.
You can then close the window to return to the new post screen.

**benji8798** · 05-05-2013, 10:18 PM

Hi

So the first sheet of my workbook shows the data, the second worksheet shows the data that I want to bring forward (vlookup against). The first worksheet shows that there are two columns of telephone numbers whereas the second sheet shows only one. Is it possible to do a vlook up against the two columns that match, rather than one.

Thanks