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Dynamic Generation of Col_Index_num based on selection

srinidhi

Active Member
Hi Excel Experts,

I work with large data sets in excel and very frequently apply the Vlookup formula.

In the Vlookup formula there is an parameter called Col_Index_num, where we key in the result column number.
ex: Columns A:F, we key in as 6 , as need the result from F Column, this range changes from workbook to workbook.
Is there a possibility of auto generating the Col_Index_num (in the vlookup formula) based on the last column selected.

 
If the column has a header that is the same from sheet to sheet, MATCH will search the column headers and return the column number. The number can then be used for the return array in VLOOKUP or, better, combined with the row-wise MATCH as parameters of INDEX.
 
Why not use match () that returns a position of a range. If you have the same column headers it might be something like:
= VLOOKUP ( key , LookupRange, MATCH (Header, HeaderRange, 0) , 0 )

EDIT: beaten by Peter (again :))
 
Guido, Sorry. At least we are in agreement!
Would you go for VLOOKUP/MATCH or INDEX/MATCH/MATCH

If it were for me, I would use an Excel Table and XLOOKUP, so my views probably don't count for anything!
 
Last time I checked, XLOOKUP is not yet available in the armoury. I'm not one of those guys who can't stand VLOOKUP (). I use it as frequent as I do use index/match combo. It depends on the situation and ease of formula writing, Peter.
 
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