Formula returns numeric values. Need text as well.

[ghostbroker2]

[FONT=&quot]Greetings!
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[FONT=&quot]I've been using this formula to return the last non zero in column B to cell N3.
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[FONT=&quot]
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[FONT=&quot]=VLOOKUP(9.99999999999999E+307,B:B,1)
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[FONT=&quot]
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[FONT=&quot]Column B has a formula in it to automate the entry of employee numbers. it looks like this;
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[FONT=&quot]
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[FONT=&quot]=IF(C7>0,($B6),"")
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[FONT=&quot]
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[FONT=&quot]However now we are now using temps (temporary employees), and they have letters in their employee number.
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[FONT=&quot]The VLOOKUP formula does not return the value if it is text.
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[FONT=&quot]
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[FONT=&quot]Can anyone suggest an alternative? I need cell N3 to be able to return a numeric or text value.[/FONT]

 

[Weazel]

something like....

=LOOKUP(9.99E+307,1/(B:B<>""),B:B)

 

[Rick Rothstein]

something like....

=LOOKUP(9.99E+307,1/(B:B<>""),B:B)

The number does not have to be that large...

=LOOKUP(2,1/(B:B<>""),B:B)

 

[ghostbroker2]

Thank you Mr. Rothsein.

Your formula is working as advertised.