Return a Title based on a name

  • Thread starter Thread starter AccAdmin
  • Start date Start date
A

AccAdmin

I have a proposal sheet used by multiple users, and I would like the cell I
have dedicated to the title of the individual proposing the work to be filled
out automatically once they have placed there name in the cell dedicated for
a signature. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Are you suggesting that if someone types a name into one cell, you
would like their title to appear in another cell?

You could do this with a lookup (eg VLOOKUP). You might also want to
consider using a drop-down and allowing them to select their name to
avoid typos that could mess up the result of the lookup.
 
I considered using a drop down but changed my mind, I am trying for a more
automated worksheet. As well the user may inadvertently select the incorrect
title.
 
Hi,

You can't prevent every user error. If you automate the title with a
VLOOKUP, then you need to make sure they enter their name in a consistant
form. For example, John instead of J. Smith, would fail, as would Smith or
Smith, John, or J. P. Smith.

All of that said, your VLOOKUP would use a table like this

M N
Tom Jones Mr.
Ali McGraw Ms.
A. Lincoln President
....

If these are in the range M1:N30 and the user types their name into A2 with
their title appearing in B2, the formula in B2 would be:

=VLOOKUP(A2,M$1:N$30,2,)

You might consider giving the users a drop down list for their names, using
Data, Validation, List... That would eliminate the chance for a name entered
in an incorrect form. And although they might pick the wrong title, they are
not likely to pick the wrong name.
 
Shane

Worked in the formula but it returned a #N/A value. here is the way it was
set up, I did it this way first to run a test to see if it would work or not
(basically this is the way the worksheet is set up).

P1 Q1
John Doe Administrator
Jane Doe Sales

I also created a drop down list in B54 for the user to select a User Name, I
then placed the formula in B56 as follows.

=VLOOKUP(B54,$P$1:$Q$2,56,)

This is what returned
VALUE RETURNED IN B56 = #N/A

any help would be appreciated.

PS I do have cells merged in the signature area.
 
Back
Top