Excel locate Alphabetically which file drawer a new file goes into

[shughson]

I have been researching for a formula in excel that will help worker determine the correct file cabnet to put a file into. We have file drawers that are alphabetical by last name. So the alpha reference on each drawer is not consistent in length. I am looking for a formula that would allow the last name of a new file to be typed in and the file # - drawer # of the file cabinet it goes into is returned. Below is a sample of the list:
File-Drawer Alpha First Alpha Last
File Cabinet 2 - Drawer 1 MCGU MCKINNY, D
File Cabinet 2 - Drawer 2 MCKINNY, E MCMA
File Cabinet 2 - Drawer 3 MCME MACK

[aydeegee]

Hi shughson

Welcome to the forum.

I have worked out at way of doing this. The formula only looks at the first name, so in your example McMb will go in Cabinet 2 Drawer 2.

Let me know if it works for you

Regards
Alastair

[shughson]

I will give this a try....thank you very much