Forum Discussion

  • Patrick2788's avatar
    Patrick2788
    Silver Contributor
    Yes, it's do-able. The VLOOKUP inside the table_array would have to spill to give you a vertical array (e.g. you'd lookup multiple values: =VLOOKUP(F1:F4,A1:B5,2,0) ).
    • Betsy1915's avatar
      Betsy1915
      Copper Contributor

      Patrick2788 

       

      Why doesn't this work? The Formula in the #Value! cell is =VLOOKUP($A$11,VLOOKUP($A$12,$E$1:$I$13,4,False)4,False). I am trying to return $E$1:$I$13 for the table_array value in the second VLOOKUP. Obviously, I'll have different arrays under Table Array but this is just a portion of the spreadsheet. Columns A and B will be on one worksheet and the columns with PP are on a different worksheet.

      AbbrTable_Array 1PP1PP2PP3PP4PP5
      JBar$E$1:$I$13 20    
      EBer$E$1:$I$13 305.75   
      TKit$E$1:$I$13 4 20   
      JLee$E$1:$I$13 50115000
      CMil$E$1:$I$13 60115000
      CSal$E$1:$I$13 72424242424
      TSmo$E$1:$I$13 800000
      BStr$E$1:$I$13 900000
         100115000
      PP2  1100000
      BStr  1200000
         130115000
      #VALUE!        
      • mtarler's avatar
        mtarler
        Silver Contributor
        although yes it is possible to use VLOOKUP inside another VLOOKUP it is NOT what you want (I believe). It looks like you are either trying to do a
        a) Table lookup meaning you want to do a lookup horizontal and vertical so the inside should return a whole column and then the outside would select from that column, or
        b) do a look up that returns a cell with a "range reference" where the outside lookup should look
        IF a) you need to use something more like an INDEX-MATCH on the inside to return the columns you need
        IF b) I don't recommend this way but you would need to use INDIRECT to convert that cell VALUE (the cell values under "Table_Array" are VALUES NOT range references) into a range reference.
        To further help please clarify what you are trying to do and please also let us know what version of Excel you are using (i.e. are you using Excel 365) because some of the newer function may be very helpful here.

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