using a name in the vlookup function

[charliealphabravo]

Hi all,

I am using data validation to limit the entry in a cell to certain text strings which also happen to be the names of arrays in another sheet (same workbook).

I would like to use a reference to the cell with the string in a vlookup function as the "Table_Array" value but the function cell is returning #NA.

Is this just a scope issue or is this even possible.

Thanks in advance.

[TMS]

Some cell references, the function, the names and the range they reference would be helpful and, ideally ...

To best describe or illustrate your problem you would be better off attaching a dummy workbook, the workbook should contain the same structure and some dummy data of the same type as the type you have in your real workbook - so, if a cell contains numbers & letters in this format abc-123 then that should be reflected in the dummy workbook. Don't upload a picture when you have a workbook question. None of us is inclined to recreate your data. Upload the workbook and manually add an 'after' situation so that we can see what you expect. In addition clearly explain how you get the results..
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[darkyam]

If I understand correctly, you'll need Indirect. Say your dropdown is in A1 and the lookup value is A2. Use =Vlookup(A2,Indirect(A1),2,0). Keep in mind that indirect is a volatile function, though, and so it's going to recalculate every time you make any changes to the worksheet. If you have this formula in a lot of cells, it's possible that it will slow down your workbook.

[charliealphabravo]

Here is the formula. If I enter the range name "DFL" like so it works.

=VLOOKUP(D43, DFL, 2, FALSE)

If I put a reference to the cell with the text "DFL" in it it returns a #NA error. How do I make sure that the vlookup formula recognizes the text in the cell as a name or as text perhaps?

=VLOOKUP(D43, D42, 2, FALSE)

Thanks again

[TMS]

Maybe:

=VLOOKUP(D43, INDIRECT(D42), 2, FALSE)


Regards

[charliealphabravo]

YEAH!!! that fixed it!!

Great forum, and thanks for the posting tips. I'm a forum newb.

[TMS]

You're welcome. Thanks for the rep.

Regards, TMS