Enter a Number, Get a corresponding Text Value in the Same Cell

**turtle01** · 02-11-2009, 03:38 PM

If I input a value into cell C12, I want this numerical value to be changed into a persons name. I want to be able to input up to 30 different numerical values in C12. All the names are in another work sheet I have so is it possible to refernece the cells containing the peoples names?

Example. If the value input into C12=1 then I want the cell to display John Smith (John Smith is the name in Cell B2 in my other work sheet which is entitled "squad numbers") or If the value input into C12=2 then I want the cell to display Steve Jones (Steve Jones is the name in Cell B3 in my other work sheet which is entitled "squad numbers")

I'm very new to Excel so please take it easy on me

!!

Cheers

**mewingkitty** · 02-11-2009, 03:41 PM

It'd be quite easy to enter a value into c12, and have the cell next to it, (or any other cell for that matter) return the corresponding name. Would that work for you?

**turtle01** · 02-11-2009, 03:51 PM

That would be sort of a second prize solution yes. If you could let me have it then great in case nobody can provide the first choice solution or my request isn't possible.

Many thanks

**rbanks** · 02-11-2009, 04:43 PM

Without using some kind of OLAP software like Essbase, you are not going to be able to easily change the actual value in a cell from the number to the name. However, your 2nd prize solution can be done with a vlookup:

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**turtle01** · 02-11-2009, 05:50 PM

cheers for that

**JBeaucaire** · 02-11-2009, 06:02 PM

If you still want the first prize of having a number change into a matching text value, that's doable, of course. But it comes at a cost.

This would require a macro running in the background on the sheet called a Worksheet_change macro. Whenever one of these type of macros is running, you lose the ability to do a simple "UNDO" on your sheet, with Edit > Undo or Ctrl-Z on the keyboard. Not everyone is bothered by that.

If you don't mind losing the UNDO, then post up a sample showing where your numbers and names are listed together for conversion and the forum will help you with your original request.