How do I make my job easier?

[Wyle]

I have a 32 page list that includes a column of specification numbers. For every Spec I need to put a note like "washer" or "Bleeder" in the column next to it. The Spec numbers come up multiple times. Is there a way select all of the same specification numbers and add the same note at the same time and can i set it up so that If I edit one specification number all of the similar numbers also edit themselves?

 

[BAlGaInTl]

Is this something that you need to do just once, or will you be doing it all the time?

If you just need to do it once, you can

1. Select your Spec and Description columns
2. Apply a filter (Data --> Filter)
3. Filter the parts that are say "Washer." (the other rows will now be hidden)
4. Type "Washer in the first one"
5. Copy down
6. Repeat for your different spec types

 

[Wyle]

I will be plugging in specs but we seem to always find more information to put on the list so I am expecting I could be editing the Notes multiple times

 

[Wyle]

I will be doing this more than once

 

[ajwillshire]

Hi,

Why don't you use a Vlookup table?

Find an empty bit of worksheet and put in a little 2 column table with the specnumbers and the descriptions. Name the table something like SpecTable using the "define name" menu option (I think it's in the tools menu on Excel 2003 and on the formulas ribbon in Excel 2007).

Then in your big table, where you want the description entered, put

=Vlookup("cell with spec number in it", SpecTable, 2, 0)

So if the spec number is in cell B2

=Vlookup(B2, SpecTable, 2, 0)

Then you can just fill down your formula as you add more data.

Hope this helps.

 

[Wyle]

I keep getting an error message but the formula looks like this

Reference: Sheet1!$F$92

Evaluation:
VLOOKUP("A1",Sheet2!$A$1;$B$22,2,0)

 

[VoG]

Shouldn't it be

VLOOKUP(A1,Sheet2!$A$1:$B$22,2,0)

 

[Wyle]

Well it still doesnt work I get a #N/A

 

[VoG]

Are the values that you are trying to look up exactly the same? Check for leading or trailing spaces.

 

[Wyle]

<SCRIPT language=JavaScript src="http://www.interq.or.jp/sun/puremis... I made a second sheet with the SpecTable