vlookup

[Lorraine]

I'm using the Vlookup function.

My table of data has names, addresses, total sales numbers. I want t
enter the name and use the vlookup to return the total sales of tha
person.

The problem comes in that I have several people with the same name. I
returns the second one in the list.

Why

 

[Jason Morin]

Use VLOOKUP in situations where the table contains unique
values. It's not ideal where values are repeated, such as
in your case.

If you have people that actually have the same name,
you'll have to make them unique by adding another item,
like their address.

If you're trying to return the total sales for someone's
name that repeats itself, use SUMIF.

Posting a small sample of your data (don't actually attach
the file) would help the NG understand better.

HTH
Jason
Atlanta, GA