Vlookups don't recognize text to column cells - why?

[Karen]

I split account #'s from a name using the text to columns option. When I
tried a Vlookup, it does not recognize the account #. If I retype the
account # the vlookup works. Does anyone know a way around this?

Thanks,

 

[Luke M]

You prb need to convert the acount number from being stored as text, to being
stored as a number. To do this, input 1 into a blank cell, copy it, select
the cells you want to change, and right-click, paste special, multiply.

 

[Dave Peterson]

Debra Dalgleish has lots of notes on troubleshooting =vlookup():
http://contextures.com/xlFunctions02.html#Trouble

My bet is that some of your data are real numbers and other of your data are
text that look numeric.

 

[Karen]

Thanks, but either it didn't work or I'm not understanding your instructions...

Karen

 

[roadkill]

I agree with the solution that says you need to multiply by 1 but it may be
that your cells are formatted as text as well. Try selecting the cells in
question and clicking Format, Cells and on the number tab select General.
Then do the multiply by 1.
Will