Linking Colums???

[Guest]

I have created a spreadsheet with Cost Codes. Each code has a small
description. I would like to know if there is away to set up the spreadsheet
where I type the code and it automatically fills in another cell with the
description instead of typing it in everytime. I hope this makes sense.

 

[Guest]

I think you could use lookup function.
for example
Input your code and description under D & E column.
Select Insert >Name > Define (select the range of the code and its
description) type table and click OK
Column A, you input code and Column b, you add the following formula at cell
b1
=if(a1="","",VLOOKUP(A1,table,2))
copy the above formula down.
Hope it helps
Anna

 

[Guest]

Could make a table hidden somehwere in your workbook that contains the cost
codes and the proper description next to it. You would then use the VLookup
command in the cell where you want the actual descriptions to appear. The
VLookup will look at the cell you have put the code in, then it will go and
look at the table and pick up the proper description from your table and put
it in the cell the Vlookup formula is in.

For example: I have the following formula in a cell I want the desription
to automatically appear. =VLOOKUP($A1,G1:H3,2,FALSE)

$A1 is the cell you type the code
G1:H3 is the table where you have the codes and then descriptions listed.
2 is the that will return your description (since in your table column1 =
the code, column 2 = the description.)
FALSE (don't worry about this part)

Experiment with this and see if it helps.