Excel - LOOKUP Function Problem - Expert Solution

Question description:
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Hello. I need to assign 5 categories a number and was hoping to use a lookup function to make it easier for me (would like A-E to be associated with #1-5)
Solved by F. Y. in 20 mins
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User 25/04/2018 - 01:50
this is excel 2010
Excelchat Expert 25/04/2018 - 01:50
Hello, I understand that you would like to assign categories to numbers using a lookup function.
Excelchat Expert 25/04/2018 - 01:50
Before we proceed, this is a reminder that our policy is 1 question per session so for this session we'll be resolving this particular question.
User 25/04/2018 - 01:50
in one tab I have two columns, one with 5 categorical variables and one blank that I would like to fill with assigned numbers for each variable. I have a separate tab listing the variable by number
User 25/04/2018 - 01:50
okay sounds good
Excelchat Expert 25/04/2018 - 01:51
If you are able to upload your file, I'd be able to giv e you a more accurate solution.
User 25/04/2018 - 01:51
I'd rather not - proprietary info
Excelchat Expert 25/04/2018 - 01:51
Otherwise, I'd just have to create a sample file you can use but you'll have to adjust it yourself.
User 25/04/2018 - 01:51
that's fine
Excelchat Expert 25/04/2018 - 01:52
Please see the formula in B2. It look at the value in column A then compares that to your lookup table in Sheet2.
Excelchat Expert 25/04/2018 - 01:53
The lookup value in Sheet2 can then be adjusted according to your needs.
User 25/04/2018 - 01:54
I'm not sure about the last variable, the blue
User 25/04/2018 - 01:54
what to put there
User 25/04/2018 - 01:54
right now I have vlookup(X2, tab array
Excelchat Expert 25/04/2018 - 01:55
There are a total of 4 parameters in a vlookup.
Excelchat Expert 25/04/2018 - 01:55
The first one is the value you are looking for.
Excelchat Expert 25/04/2018 - 01:55
The second one is where it will look for.
Excelchat Expert 25/04/2018 - 01:55
The third one is the column where the result will come from.
Excelchat Expert 25/04/2018 - 01:55
The last one is either 1 or 0. Just use 0 for exact match.
User 25/04/2018 - 01:56
what do you mean by where the result will come from?
User 25/04/2018 - 01:56
like why is "2" for B2
Excelchat Expert 25/04/2018 - 01:56
=vlookup(A2,Sheet2!A:B,2,0)
Excelchat Expert 25/04/2018 - 01:56
Let's break it down.
Excelchat Expert 25/04/2018 - 01:56
A2 is what you are looking for.
Excelchat Expert 25/04/2018 - 01:56
Sheet2!A:B is where it will look.
User 25/04/2018 - 01:56
what is the "2" though
User 25/04/2018 - 01:56
not the A2
Excelchat Expert 25/04/2018 - 01:57
2 is the column it will return as a result. In here, 2 means the 2nd column in Sheet2!A:B
Excelchat Expert 25/04/2018 - 01:57
So if you use Sheet2!A:D as the table array, you can write 3 to return column C, or 4 to return column D.
Excelchat Expert 25/04/2018 - 01:58
If you use Sheet2!B:E then 2 will return column C because column C is the 2nd column in B,C,D,E
User 25/04/2018 - 01:58
got it thank you
Excelchat Expert 25/04/2018 - 01:58
You are welcome. I'm glad to have helped!
Excelchat Expert 25/04/2018 - 01:59
Would there be anything else that I can help you with regards to the original question?
User 25/04/2018 - 01:59
nope that's great - thank you!
Excelchat Expert 25/04/2018 - 01:59
Alright, if you have no other questions regarding the original concern, I'd appreciate a 5-star rating and your feedback if you think I deserve it.
Excelchat Expert 25/04/2018 - 01:59
I'll be giving you high ratings as well so the other experts will know that you are a good client and should be taken care of.
Excelchat Expert 25/04/2018 - 01:59
Please do not forget to click the End Session button otherwise I'll be stuck here until the timer expires and be unable to help others. Thank you.

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