Forum Discussion
Count vlookup columns
Hello,
My computer recently updated its Excel Office 365 version. Prior to the update, whenever I performed a vlookup, for the second input, I would usually highlight the columns from which I would select data from and watch the rows and column popup in the small yellow box to determine the number of columns to input in the third field. However, the popup I used to rely on is no longer in the new version of Excel. Is there a way I can get it back?
To make my question more clear, the required inputs for vlookup are:
VLOOKUP(lookup_value,table_array,col_index_num,[range_lookup])
During the "table_array" portion is where I usually highlight the letters of the columns I need. Depending on the worksheet I'm using, my vlookup might need to span from Column A to Column BD. When this is the case, it is time consuming to manually count each column in between to find the value for "col_index_num". I don't want to include the specific row numbers as part of my table_array input because I may add more rows at a later time. The popup box was the easiest way to determine the col_index_num, I'm hoping there is a setting I can change to get it back.
Thanks in advance if you can help.
17 Replies
- This was very helpful only in that it made me look around for the column count. I found it moves around. I've never seen it imbedded into the bottom of the screen as Haytham showed. What I have discovered is that the count on a block will only come up if you pass the end of your window. For columns if you drag left to right the pop up can be on the top or bottom left and if you drag the opposite way the popup is on the other side.
I've had it work to another workbook. But Pernille-Eskebo sometimes it does not come up at all.
Why is it not consistent like it used to be??
Thanks - Hello Sir i m facing problem during installation of mysql pls help to install it
vikas singh Why are you asking this totally unrelated question about installing MySQL in another member's question about Excel? MySQL is not even a Microsoft product. This is a forum for Microsoft software. Please don't just post anywhere. Take a moment to understand what site you are on.
- I love it haha
By the way, I have this https://excel.uservoice.com/forums/304921-excel-for-windows-desktop-application/suggestions/32697823-drop-down-list-for-col-index-num-argument-in-vlook which is similar to this topic.
If you agree, please vote for it, your vote matters!
Do you mean the small box that shown in below screenshot?
Haytham Amairahi faced the same problem with MSO 365 , but my case is if i look into a less columned document i am able to see the number of columns. If a try to fetch into a document which have a lot of column and the document size is not fitted to the default screen it can show up to 10 or 11 columns number than the info disappear.
Kindly help on that.
Thanks in advance.
MSO 365 userYes. The box only appears when I highlight a block of cells, but it no longer appears when I highlight columns for the vlookup.
As a note, it DOES still appear when I highlight columns by themselves apart from the vlookup, but when I am highlighting during the vlookup, the column counter box no longer appears.
Take a look at the left-hand corner of the Excel window, you may find it there as shown in the below screenshot!
