Trying to shorten (or use new) formula

Hi.

Im probably doing this completely wrong but i want the spreadsheet to return
a value when you enter a number.. ?

Ok.. simple terms.
I have say 100 product codes and their product description detailed on the
spreadsheet. If I enter a product code in to cell E4 (for example) I wish the
cell with the formula in it to return the product description

I have managed this using the below formula

=IF(E4=1,L8,"")&IF(E4=2,L7,"")&IF... and so on to product No. 100

But im finding im having to enter a very long formula and there is only a
specific length the formula can be.

Is there away of shortening the formula or entering a different one to get
the same result .??
Many thanks.. J.

Hi, Monk. For a sample file, go to
http://www.myexpertsonline.com/freedls/pricelist.xls
For the two features used to produce the sample, see:
Dropdowns using data validation:
http://www.officearticles.com/excel/...soft_excel.htm
Vlookup:
http://www.officearticles.com/excel/...soft_excel.htm
*******************
~Anne Troy

www.OfficeArticles.com
www.MyExpertsOnline.com




"Monk" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi.
>
> Im probably doing this completely wrong but i want the spreadsheet to
return
> a value when you enter a number.. ?
>
> Ok.. simple terms.
> I have say 100 product codes and their product description detailed on the
> spreadsheet. If I enter a product code in to cell E4 (for example) I wish
the
> cell with the formula in it to return the product description
>
> I have managed this using the below formula
>
> =IF(E4=1,L8,"")&IF(E4=2,L7,"")&IF... and so on to product No. 100
>
> But im finding im having to enter a very long formula and there is only a
> specific length the formula can be.
>
> Is there away of shortening the formula or entering a different one to get
> the same result .??
> Many thanks.. J.
>