vLookup but choose either of 2 columns

[Hugh self taught]

Hi All,

I have a scenario where I want to lookup a value in column A but would like
to choose either column 4 or 5 from the resultant row in a drop down based on
other criteria I know. Is something like that possible? If so is it possible
to have a heading on each column to better identify which is which?

How would I attempt such a manouver?

Cheers
Hugh

 

[Dave Peterson]

=vlookup(b1,sheet2!a:e,if(a1="asdf",4,5),false)

Will look for a match between B1 of sheet2 column A.

If A1 = "asdf", then column 4 (D) will be returned. Otherwise, column 5 (E)
will be returned.

You can make that if statement as complex as you want as long as it results in a
number between 1 and the number of columns in that range (A:E in my example).

If the expression is really complex, you could use a bunch of helper cells and
then just point at the final helper cell:

=vlookup(b1,sheet2!a:e,Z99,false)
(z99 is that final helper cell)

 

[RagDyer]

Say datalist is A1 to E20, with column headers in A1 to E1.

Lookup value to fin is in G1,
and dropdown cell is F1, which contains column headers matching labels in A1
to E1:

=INDEX(A2:E20,MATCH(G1,A2:A20,0),MATCH(F1,A1:E1,0))

 

[Hugh self taught]

Thanks Dave,

I need some shut eye now so will play with this more in the morning

Cheers
Hugh