How do I compare string values in one column to another column?

[Guest]

Here is my question:

I have one sheet of a workbook that has 2 columns. The first column
contains string values of words & numbers (diff. lengths)...the second column
is right next to the other and has number values, each of which corresponds
to the string value directly to the left of it.

How can I make a second workbook where I can paste a list of string values
obtained from an outside source and have excel automatically search the
entire column in the pre-existing 1st workbook, then if it finds a matching
string value, put the corresponding number value in the column to the right
of the pasted string values?

I hope my question is clear enough. If not, please let me know so I can
clarify my intentions. Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[SteveG]

You could use a VLOOKUP. In the column to the right of the pasted
outside source data try this function.

=VLOOOKUP(outsidesourceA1,referencearrayA1:B10,2,FALSE)

This is where reference array is the workbook containing the data to
match and return a value from in column B of the outside source data.


Does this help?

Steve