simple Excel question (formula)

[Briab Guy]

Hey, if its so simple, why can't I just do it. Figured I just say it for someone.
Here goes.
In cell 1A I have a numerical value. (always)
In cell 1B I have a name. (always)
Example: 1A is 12 and 1B is Bob. (always, these two will always go togeather--12 and Bob))
What I am trying to get is, when I type in 12 in 1A for 1B to automatically show Bob. It is set up so that as soon as you type in B you get Bob, but I am trying to eleveate typing in Bob at all.
I hope that makes sense, and thanks in advance for any help

[homer15]

do you have a lot of names with corresponding numbers? if not, you could use the =IF statement.
ex:

=if(a1=12,"bob","")

if you have less then 7 people with numbers, the if will work. otherwise you can perform some operations in multiple cells using the =IF statement to check a1 and come up with a name. if you have a copy of the spreadsheet, you can mail it to me and i'll give it a look to see if i can do something.

[Briab Guy]

Thanks for getting back so fast.
I will put togeather the info you need. But it will not be untill next week. I am a volunteer at the public library, and that is where I am doing this. So I will have to wait untill I go back in on Tues.
I had some classes on Excel a couple yrs ago, and its scary how much I have forgotten. I did look at the =IF formula but couldn't figure it out.
We are using 13 names right now. The Snoopy gang. Charlei Brown, Lucy, PigPen etc... Each workstation has a num and a name.
I will try to send you my email address in a personal message.
Thanks again

[Great_One]

simple way would be to use a function like vlookup.

basically it retieves a value from a table based on the
value of a specified cell

your table is built somewhat like the following

Cell Cell
1 jim
2 pete
3 bob

if you type a value in cell A1, the formula in B1 would tell
it to get the value in A1, compare match it to a value in the
table, and retrieve the coresponding value.

check out the help file for syntax and examples

[homer15]

yea, but make sure to define your search range

[homer15]

set a table up like this (just like the great_one said):


a b
1 jim
2 john
3 ray
4 alfonso ferdinand funicelli

then, wherever you want the name value to appear, put in the following code:

=VLOOKUP(A1,a1:b4,2)

i included an example of what you can do.

[morriswindgate]

Go here and you'll find some excellant free video training courses in a Quicktime format that will allow you to to remember what you forgot.

http://training:training@training.orangeusd.k12.ca.us/vtconline/intranetlist.htm