vlookup a vlookup

[itsmeagain]

I am using vlookup to pull a value from a table(1) and move it to the left of my new table(2). I would like to then use the value that was returned in table(2) in a new vlookup formula to populate another table(3). Is there anyway to have excel recognize the returned value that is in table(2) as the lookup_value in vlookup for my third table?

 

[jeffreymb]

You should be able to do it just like a normal vlookup. If that isn't the answer try posting your worksheet so we can see your problem.

 

[itsmeagain]

Unfortunately, i cant download any programs here at work, so i will do my best.

Table(1) is just a list of managers and codes
smith -- 1a1
smith -- 1a2
smith -- 1c5
jones -- 1g4
jones -- 3d8

Table(2) populates column 1 using vlookup referencing the codes on column 2
jones -- 3d8 -- 98798798798 -- 654654 -- 6546465
jones -- 3d8 -- 56465465465 -- 654654 -- 1334354
smith -- 1c5 -- 32434346546 -- 231646 -- 6546546

I am trying to populate table(3) on new sheets with all of the data from each name on its own new sheet
jones -- 3d8 -- 98798798798 -- 654654 -- 6546465
jones -- 3d8 -- 56465465465 -- 654654 -- 1334354
jones -- 1g4 -- 76353421321 -- 335455 -- 2165465

If i change the array on my 2nd lookup to reference any other column, it works like a charm....but when I try to reference column 1 on table(2) I get a "#N/A" error. I am assuming this is because I am trying to reference a reference--- the formula I am using is =VLOOKUP("JONES",Sheet1!A:G,2,FALSE)

 

[itsmeagain]

It should be noted that also if I enter "Jones" into a cell manually, the formula also works, so I am certain that the problem is the fact that my first column is a vlookup reference. Please help!

 

[josevaldesv]

I got the same problems...
if I have a vlookup refered to cell containing a formula instead of a specific value, then it'll show #N/A