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19adam99's avatar
19adam99
Copper Contributor
Apr 21, 2025
Solved

Shorten to certain characters and perform IF formula

Good morning/afternoon/evening all

I'm sure this is probably something simple I'm missing but I'm in a spot where I am trying to add a manufacturer indicator based upon the first three characters of data, such as what is below:

 

 

 

 

 

Basically, I'd like to remove the "Make" column. Currently I'm using a simple =LEFT(VINcell,3) to shorten it, and then =IF(MAKEcell="1GB","Chevrolet","GMC").

I'm probably missing something simple or it's not possible, but many thanks in advance!

 

  • In F2:

    =IF(LEFT(D2, 3)="1GB", "Chevrolet", "GMC")

    Alternatively:

    Create a table elsewhere with 2 columns Make and Brand. Name the table - for example - Makes.

    Add a row for each unique make:

    The formula in F2 can then be =XLOOKUP(LEFT(D2, Makes[Make], Makes[Brand], "")

    This makes it easy to add new makes in the future, if necessary.

2 Replies

  • 19adam99's avatar
    19adam99
    Copper Contributor

    Thank you!

    Looking at it now, that makes it so much easier. I guess I was just struggling to wrap my head around the syntax. 😅

  • In F2:

    =IF(LEFT(D2, 3)="1GB", "Chevrolet", "GMC")

    Alternatively:

    Create a table elsewhere with 2 columns Make and Brand. Name the table - for example - Makes.

    Add a row for each unique make:

    The formula in F2 can then be =XLOOKUP(LEFT(D2, Makes[Make], Makes[Brand], "")

    This makes it easy to add new makes in the future, if necessary.

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