Complex search problem

**DABlaylock** · 06-07-2013, 11:30 AM

Good Day All,

I have a problem where I have numbers that have multiple instruction reference numbers assigned to them. I need to know which is the most current. For example the reference numbers look like this A0001_022103139B and the fifth digit increases by one when a new one is created. I can not figure out how to search to find the newest one (highest number) I have attached a example on the data and the ones highlighted in yellow is what I am looking for by using the number in column a as the search key.

Example.xlsx

Thank You for any advise or help,

David

**martindwilson** · 06-07-2013, 11:53 AM

=MID($C1,2,4)+0=MAX(IF($A$1:$A$11=$A1,MID($C$1:$C$11,2,4)+0)) array entered then filled down will give true/false filter on true to get all the maximums see sheet 1
or alternatively
put that formula in as conditional formating it doesnt need array entering when used in conditional format
see sheet 2

**DABlaylock** · 06-07-2013, 03:06 PM

Thank you so much, that is so simple. When ever I start to think I am good in excel something like this comes along. I keep sudying.

Thank you so much again. This is perfect and I have learned how to do this.

David B