Index text range

[theta]

Hi all, I have a range of cells as follows :

AAA
AAB
BBA
BBC
CCC
DDD
EEE
FFA
FFB
GAB
GGG

I want to be able to index them (in correct sorted order) so that if I tried to do a lookup on the range INDEX 1 would = AAA, INDEX 2 would = AAB

Trying to make a mailer form. The references on the data sheet are alpha numeric, but I will be using a +1 / -1 button to go to next / previous record. So was thinking of using INDEX / MATCH that will interpret an alphanumeric range and provide the correct item?

 

[Jonmo1]

Not sure I understand the problem...
Use the INDEX function...
If those values you posted are in a range say A2:A12
=INDEX($A$2:$A$12,1)

The red 1 is where you put your desired index #.

 

[theta]

Chandoo has an example where you can produce a key for each item in a range

=COUNTIF($C$6:$C$15,"<="&C6)

Copied down in column B next to the C5:C15 range

Only works on alphanumeric / alpha. If you put a single number in e.g. 1, then the formula breaks

Need something more flexible

 

[theta]

Basically hoping to index unique text items (or numbers) based on their sorted reference/index