VLOOKUP when the look up value is the output of a formula

[original goose]

I am running a VLOOKUP, my look up value is a number that is derived from the output of a formula. For some reason the VLOOKUP does not work when the look up value is derived this way. if I manually type in the number it works. It also works when the look up value is a letter, also derived from the output of a formula.

Any suggestions on how I can get this to work when the formula output is a number?

Thanks

 

[okvals48]

This is a golden poste, It solves the problem s even in 2021

 

[Bookworm0305]

This post is indeed blessed

 

[Al J]

How would this work if the col_index_num is a formula?

=VLOOKUP(F4,'Hoffman Numbers'!C6:D10,2,FALSE)

 

[Peter_SSs]

How would this work if the col_index_num is a formula?

=VLOOKUP(F4,'Hoffman Numbers'!C6:D10,2,FALSE)

Welcome to the MrExcel board!

It should be fine having a formula to calculate the column index number. If you need help with that, what about you give us some (smallish) dummy sample data that shows what sort of variety is in your data and explain in relation to that exactly what you are trying to achieve?

MrExcel has a tool called “XL2BB” that lets you post samples of your data that will allow us to copy/paste it to our Excel spreadsheets, so we can work with the same copy of data that you are. Instructions on using this tool can be found here: XL2BB Add-in

Note that there is also a "Test Here” forum on this board. This is a place where you can test using this tool (or any other posting techniques that you want to test) before trying to use those tools in your actual posts.