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VLookup on multiple columns

  1. #1
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    VLookup on multiple columns

    I would like to know how to use VLOOKUP or any other function that would search for a " text or numeric value" in Multiple columns and returns a value if matched. For instance, I have Col A = [Phone 1], Col B = [Phone 2], Col C = [Phone 3] and finally Col D = [contact name]. So my objective is to have Col F return the respective [contact name] based on the input in Col E that would search for the matching string in the entire Columns A & B & C . I have a limited knowledge on VLOOKUP function but since there are multiple columns to search, I don't know if VLOOKUP works here and if not what alternative functions can be used to achieve this?

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    Last edited by sajohn; 03-08-2015 at 08:16 AM. Reason: For more clarity

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    Re: VLookup on multiple columns

    Not sure if this is the right answer but shouldn't an hlookup work?
    Vlookup is restricted to one column multiple rows.
    Hlookup works with one row, multiple columns.

    Just a suggestion.
    Hopefully this works.
    Good luck.

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    Administrator FDibbins's Avatar
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    Re: VLookup on multiple columns

    will this be done on a row-by-row basis, or do you have a table full of number's/names, and you want to find a number anywhere in that table?
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    Administrator FDibbins's Avatar
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    Re: VLookup on multiple columns

    Assuming you have a long list of names.numbers and want to find 1 of them...
    =INDEX($D$2:$D$6,IFERROR(MATCH(E2,$A$2:$A$6,0),IFERROR(MATCH(E2,$B$2:$B$6,0),MATCH(E2,$C$2:$C$6,0))))

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    Re: VLookup on multiple columns

    We do not need to use either Vlookup or Hlookup after all - just simple IF(OR) will suffice.

    Based on your explanation and data example provided, these are my assumptions:
    - Column D (Contact name) may have up to three phone numbers listed in columns A through C
    - you want to be able to enter any phone numbers in column E and if it matches any of the phone numbers in columns A - C, you want the Contact Name to appear in column F

    Copy this formula in column F and auto fill formula down to the last row of your data
    =IF(OR(E:E=A:A,E:E=B:B,E:E=C:C),D:D,"")

    Please see attached for example.
    Also if formula returns no contact name, you can replace the "" (which results in blank) to whatever you want - example "No Contact" or "NIL" instead of leaving it blank.

    Let me know if this works for you.
    Attached Files Attached Files

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    Valued Forum Contributor nigelbloomy's Avatar
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    Re: VLookup on multiple columns

    FDibbins' formula works perfectly. This would also work. Sumproduct can look at the whole range of phone numbers and find the match. Row will tell you which row the match is in. You just have to -1 on the row because the data starts in the 2nd row.

    I only post this because it could be expanded to look at many more columns.

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    Re: VLookup on multiple columns

    Glad it worked for you.
    I too learned something new today. : )

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    Re: VLookup on multiple columns

    will the =indirect function work in this case?

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