Multiple Vlookup Formulas to get data from correct table

**JAMES4228** · 03-16-2009, 01:38 PM

I am hoping someone can help me out here.

I have three separate columns that have information in it, and I am trying to setup a vlookup that will scan all three columns and give me the info that I am looking for.

I know how to do a basic vlookup, I just don't know how to do a vlookup, that will scan the first column, if the info is not in there, it will scan the second column, as well as the third column if necessary.

I thought of maybe doing three separate vlookups, but two of the vlookups are going to give me a #N/A, while only one column will actually have the info. If I go this route, is there a formula that will scan the 2 #N/A/ and the 1 cell with the info, and then actually give me the one with the info in it?

I hope someone can help as I need to have this finished by the end of the week.

**NBVC** · 03-16-2009, 01:44 PM

A Nested If/Vlookup should do it.

something like:

=If(ISNA(Vlookup1()),If(ISNA(Vlookup2()),Vlookup3(),Vlookup2()),Vlookup1())

**NBVC** · 07-13-2009, 04:13 PM

From PM:

I asked a question a while back on how to do a vlookup on multple columns, you suggested to do a nesting formula.

I am wondering if you might be able to give me an example formula on a vlookup that has to search 5 different arrays for one answer?

The formula you gave me was:
IF(ISNA(Vlookup1()),IF(ISNA(Vlookup2()),Vlookup3(),Vlookup2()),Vlookup1())
How can I extend this to 5 columns instead of three?

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

James Marshall

Try:

=IF(ISNA(Vlookup1()),IF(ISNA(Vlookup2()),IF(ISNA(Vlookup3()),IF(ISNA(Vlookup4()),Vlookup5(),Vlookup4()),Vlookup3()),Vlookup2()),Vlookup1())