Formula to convert text to numbers / Vlookup help

[futbol1097]

I have a two worksheets "Results" and "Data". I have a Vlookup formula in "Results" that looks up an address (101, 4331, 207, etc.) in column A of "Data", and then returns what is in column B. Pretty simple.

The problem is that the addresses in "Results" are numbers, but the addresses in Data are text (because they are being filtered in through a SQL database that spits them out as text), so the Vlookup wont work. I need a formula that will convert the column A addresses in "Data" into numbers. Any ideas? The addresses will either be 4 or 5 digits long.
I can't just do Copy-Paste Special since I am dealing with a Sql database, and I have to be able to update this ssht all the time.

Or, I need to write a Vlookup formula that accounts for the fact that the lookup is a number but the table data is text.

Thanks,
R

 

[Dan Waterloo]

Use the VALUE function to convert text to numbers.

E.g., =VALUE(A2)

 

[Datsmart]

Suggestion 1. (convert by Text to Columns)
Select the range of text numbers,
Click Data | Text to Columns...
Then Click "Finish".

Suggestion 2. (convert by addition)
Select a blank cell
Hit Ctrl-C to copy
Select your number range
Right Click and choose Paste Special
Click Add, then OK.

Suggestion 3. (If you have Excel 2003)
Select the cells affected and right click on the yellow "!" that shows up next to the cells and choose convert to number.
(Must have "Number stored as Text" checked in Tools|Options|Error Checking)