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You can use Named Ranges to assign meaningful names to a cell or range of cells

(i.e., an array). For example, you can assign the name "TaxRate" to cell F1.

Named cells or arrays used in a formula retain their value when copied or when

using AutoFill (i.e., they are absolute cell references)

Formulas using descriptive names are easier to understand when the file is shared

Move around a large worksheet quickly and accurately by assigning names to

sections of data

Consolidating DataQuick

GuideOctober 2005

UnderstandingNested Functions

You can use a nested function to test for more than one condition. Here is an example

of an IF formula that ranks data:

=IF(F2


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UnderstandingLookups

You can use Lookup functions to find a value in another data table. For example, you

may have a table of part numbers and unit prices. A simple lookup function, like

VLookup or HLookup can return the unit price for a specific part number.

Excel lookup functions include:

HLookup allows you to look up a value in a horizontal list. It

returns a value in the same column from a row you specify in

the table or array.

HLookup

VLookup allows you to look up a value in a vertical list and

insert it into another. It returns a value in the same row from a

column you specify in the table.

VLookup

Using VLookup to find an exact match

You can easily find exact matches by using False as the Range_Lookup argument.

1. Click the cell where the returned results will be displayed

2. From the formula bar, clickInsert Function

3. Click the Or select a category drop-down arrow and choose Lookup & Reference

4. From the Select a Function list box, choose VLookup and clickOK

5. Click in the Lookup_value field and type the cell address that has the value you

want to find

6. Click in the Table_array field and type the cell range you want to search

Note: The matching values must be in the first column (left-most) of the Table array.7. Press [F4] to make the table array cell reference absolute

8. Click in the Col_index_num field and type the column number where you find the

result value in the array

9. Click in the Range_lookup field and type False if you want to return exact matches

only

10. ClickOK

Editing an Existing Named Range

1. From the Insert menu, clickName, and choose Define

2. Click the name you want to edit

3. Edit the range reference in the Refers to box and clickOK

Using Lookups for data subsets

In the previous VLookup example, the Range_lookup argument was set to FALSE to

find an exact match. When Range_lookup is set to TRUE and if an exact match is not

found, then the closest value that is less than the lookup_value is returned.Note: When using TRUE, lookup values in the table array must be sorted in ascending order.

UnderstandingIndex and Match

You can use the Index and Match functions together when you want to find a value

based on two variables - a row and a column index. For example, you may have a

table that has product names and monthly sales. You want to find the number of units

a product has sold in the month. You use the Match function to find the row (product)

and column (month) number. The Index function will return the value (monthly sales

figure) in the cell at the intersection of row_num and column_num.

3. Type the desired name for the cell rangeNote: Range names cannot begin with numeric characters, nor can they contain spaces or hyphens.

4. Press [Enter]


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1. Click the cell where the returned results will be displayed

2. From the formula bar, clickInsert Function

3. Click the Or select a category drop-down arrow and choose Lookup & Reference

4. From the Select a Function list box, choose Index and clickOK

5. Choose the array argument list and clickOK

6. Click in the Array field and type the array name or address of the lookup table

7. Click in the Row_num field8. Click the function list drop-down arrow and choose Match from the list

A new Function Arguments dialog box is displayed for the Match function.

9. Click in the Lookup_value field and type the cell reference of the cell related to the

row headings in the lookup table

10. Click in the Lookup_array field and type the name of the array that contains the

values that will match the Lookup_value field

11. Click in the Match_type field and type 0 to find exact matches only

This provides the row for the Index function

12. Click the word Index in the formula bar

The Function Arguments dialog box for the Index function is displayed.

13. Click in the Column_num field14. Repeat steps 8-11 to add the second Match argument

This provides the column for the Index function.

15. ClickOK to complete the Index function

16. Verify your answer by checking the value in the lookup table corresponding to the

row and column values you specified

Using Index and Match

Finds the smallest value that is greater than or equal to lookup_value.Note: Lookup_array must be in descending order.

-1

Finds the first value that is exactly equal to lookup_value.Note: Lookup_array can be in any order.

0

Finds the largest value that is less than or equal to lookup_valueNote: Lookup_array must be in ascending order.

1

Return TypeMatch_type

Understanding the Match Function Return Types

Note: If match_type is omitted, it is assumed to be 1.

Example=INDEX($B$5:$G$16,MATCH(Chianti,$A$5:$A$16,0),MATCH(May,$B$4:$G$2,0))