Keeping the source format when extracting data from multiple cells using Vlookup function

[praboos2001]

Hi all,



I am new member and topics discussed here are looking very interesting and very useful for me personally for a project that i am currently working on. I have used vlookup function to extract from a column based on a multiple drop down list. To extend the detail, i have 3 multiple drop down list in the output sheet and when all three of them are chosen, a particular cell has to extract data from a column in the input sheet. Using vlookup function it does work. However, i have superscripts in the actual input data column and when the cell extracts data it leaves out the superscript which makes the data look very odd as the numbers i have used in the superscript are references and i would like to have the data as i feed in.

Please suggest a solution. You help will be much appreciated.

Thanks

Prabu

[Pecoflyer]

Please post a sample sheet showing data and expected results. Especially the format part would be helpful ( no pics please)

[praboos2001]

hi pecoflyer,

Thank you very much for responding to my query. Please find attached the sample sheet. As can be seen in the attached sheet, i have created two sheets namely, data input and data output sheets. In the output sheet, in cells A2 and A4 i have created a drop down list out of which A4 is a dependent list on A2.

I have used vlookup on cells B9,10 &11 that extracts data from data input sheet based on what is selected in cells A2 and A4 in the drop down list.

The data in input sheet on cells E2 to E10 has got numbers as superscript and the same data in the output sheet on cell B11 doesn't have the numbers as superscript.

Though this looks very simple, its very important for me as i have to present this to a client and this doesn't look professional.

Looking forward to hear from you.

Thanks in advance

[macropod]

You can't return character formats via formulae - they return data only. Besides which, you're applying a different format anyway (bold, blue).

What you could do is put the superscript notes into a separate column on the 'Data Input Sheet' and have a separate lookup for that (also in another column) on the 'Data Output Sheet'. By merging & centring the other rows and right-aligning the language and left-aligning the superscripted notes, you can approximate the layout you're after.

See attached demo.

[praboos2001]

Paul, that is a very wise idea. The sheet i showed is an example sheet but the actual one has got lot like this and it will be complicated to add an additional column next to exiting ones as there are more than 100 in my actual sheet.

Surely i will use it if no one comes up with an alternate idea.

Highly appreciate for your timelyhelp.

[macropod]

Another option would be to use small raised letters (typically inserted via Insert|Symbol) instead of numbers. See attached.

[praboos2001]

Paul,

That is a amazing and an easy solution. This saved me lot of time in inserting additional columns next to the existing ones.

very very pleased and happy.

Prabu