Automatically Alphabetize

[wakkoguy]

I am trying to have a list sorted alphabetically. On the attached sheet the first section of columns is what I want automatically to happen when the second set of columns are entered manually. I am using a VLOOKUP function to pull from the third (fifth column in the function). But the VLOOKUP function requires the data to be sorted otherwise the function doesn't work. So, I would prefer to not have to sort the data (if anyone knows a better way then that would be great), otherwise is there a way to automatically alphabetize the data?

[royUK]

I can't see any formulas in your example, but if it is to be used as a database then your design is all wrong. There should be no empty colums in a database.

[wakkoguy]

I can't see any formulas in your example, but if it is to be used as a database then your design is all wrong. There should be no empty colums in a database.

There aren't any formulas, that is what I am asking help for, a formula to make the second set look like the first set. It is not a database (do you mean like a reference sheet or like a microsoft access database? It is for reference)

[DMariotti]

The Vlookup function doesn't require the list to be sorted if you use the last argument as either false or 0.

eg vlookup(a3,lookuplist,3,0)

Daniel

[wakkoguy]

The Vlookup function doesn't require the list to be sorted if you use the last argument as either false or 0.

eg vlookup(a3,lookuplist,3,0)

Daniel

Awesome, it worked thanx!
for future reference, is there a way to autmatically sort a list?

[spog00]

From the main toolbar, Data>>Sort works well

Alastair

[DMariotti]

WakkoGuy,

You can sort it alphabetically automatically by using VBA and using Excel's Worsheet_change event.

Daniel

[acw]

Hi

You can also sort it dynamically using formula.

Say you have a list of data in the range A2:A13
In B2 enter the formula

=SUMPRODUCT(--($A$2:$A$13>A2)) 

and copy down to B13

In C2 enter the formula

=INDEX($A$2:$A$13,MATCH(LARGE($B$2:$B$13,ROW()-1),$B$2:$B$13,0)) 

Copy down to C13

Data will automatically sort.


Tony