VLookup and how to use

[OldManJim]

I am trying to use the Vlookup and I don't know how to enter in the right information to get the results needed.

I want to make it to where I can enter in a part# (example: 019-2000) and have it show the description of the part# (example: Delivery Dilator)

Help please

[NBVC]

Here is are a couple of quick tutorials on VLOOKUP: https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/excel-2013-vlookup, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF6cpAuUPW8

Vlookup() is one of the simpler functions in Excel... you basically need a table that has the parts and descriptions, then you need to create the formula.

e.g

=VLOOKUP(A2,$Y$2:$Z$100,2,FALSE)

where Y2:Z100 is the range that your lookup table of parts/descriptions is in. A2 is where you type the part id you want to find the description for. The 2 means pull from the second column of the table, and FALSE means look for an exact match.

[NoSparks]

And here's a page that lists and shows use of most all Excel functions.
https://www.techonthenet.com/excel/f...ndex_alpha.php

[OldManJim]

Ok, so it is obvious I am terrible with Excel and my brain is dry! With that said, I need a more detailed and simple explanation on how to input values in Lookup to get the results I need. Here is a pic of what I need explained.

[NBVC]

Do you have a table somewhere in the workbook where the description is going to be found and returned into B2?

[OldManJim]

I dont

[NBVC]

So how do you expect for the formula to find the description?

You need to have a table that lists the various possible part numbers and their respective descriptions so that when you type a part number into A2, then the formula will return the appropriate description.

[OldManJim]

Ok, I have an idea what you mean but, again, I am not experienced with this program. I need to know what or where I would put that information into what table and how. With the pic provided, where would I put that information? Sorry, I truly need a class in this.

[NBVC]

Ok. So, for example, Enter a title "Part ID" in G1 and "Description" in H1, then in G2 enter a Part Number, and H2 enter a corresponding description. Repeat this in G3:H3, G4:H4 and so on until you've created a table of parts/descriptions.

Now, in A2 enter the part number: 019-2000, then go to B2 and re-invoke the Vlookup dialogue box you have in your picture. Click in the first field, then click cell A2.
Then click the next field (table_array), then select from G1 to H (and whatever the last cell you entered info into). Then hit the F4 key (this will add $ signs in the table reference to make it absolute -- meaning you can copy formula down the column for more matches, if desired).
In the next field enter a 2. This means retrieve results from 2nd column in the table.
In the last field enter the word False. This tells Excel to look for exact match only.

Finally, click Ok. You should see a result in B2.

If you enter a different part number in A2, you should get a different result in B2.

If you want to list parts in A2, A3, A4, etc, you can copy the B2 formula down to get the corresponding results.

Hope this helps. I will be leaving in a few minutes... so hope it works. Try looking at the video I attached again...

Note: If you want to move the table to another sheet, you can cut and paste it to another area and the formula will adjust itself accordingly.

[OldManJim]

I got it!!! You are awesome!!!