Return Value Based on Several Conditions

Hello,

I am trying to speed up data entry by automating entry based on several criteria. I use Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags to uniquely identify individuals in a wildlife population. Each PIT tag contains a 9-digit series(i.e.900226001) and a 6- digit unique ID (250226). PIT series and PIT ID are housed within their own columns. The PIT series changes based on tag size, batch, or year produced but are consistent based on the first 3 digits of the PIT ID. To automate entry of the PIT series based on the PIT ID, I am trying to figure out a formula that will return a certain value based on the first 3 digits of the PIT ID. Basically the first 3 digits of PIT ID in my data set is either 555,022,550 and the last 3 digits are unique (totaling 6 digits: i.e. 550123,550124,550125, 022551,022552 and so on). I would like the search criteria to be based on the first 3 digits of the PIT ID and return the PIT series based on that.

I have tried =IF and =ISNUMBER(SEARCH and so on but not getting anything to work.

Examples:

=IF(LEFT(C2,3)555,900226001,900228000) - all that returns is 900228000

=IF(C2, 205),900226001,900228000) - all that returns is 900226001

Any insight or direction is appreciated!

Thanks,
RF

Your first example should be written like this:

=IF(LEFT(C2,3)="555",900226001,900228000)

as the LEFT function returns a text value, so you need to use quotes around the 555. Your second example should probably be like this:

=IF(LEFT(C2,3)="205",900226001,900228000)

Hope this helps.

Pete