title: Need a VLOOKUP formula for two similar, yet non-identical columns of data
body: <p>I am working with two separate worksheets. </p>
  
  <p>In the 1st worksheet I need a VLOOKUP formula that checks A2 &amp; looks for the same ID# in the 2nd sheet (also in column A2) - then it must return the data in the column to the right.</p>
  
  <p>The problem is that the ID# numbers in each column of the worksheets are similar, yet different. </p>
  
  <p>Here is an example of how the ID numbers appear in the first worksheet: </p>
  
  <p>Column A </p>
  
  <p>907677/001/1 *</p>
  
  <p>907694/001/2 </p>
  
  <p>907694/001/3</p>
  
  <p>907695/001/1</p>
  
  <ul>
  <li><p>"/1" references the number of times the ID# appears in the table</p></li>
  <li><p>and the 2nd worksheet (which I need to be able to pull data from)</p></li>
  </ul>
  
  <p>Column A</p>
  
  <p>907677/001</p>
  
  <p>907694/001 </p>
  
  <p>907694/001</p>
  
  <p>907695/001</p>
  
  <p>As you can see - my problem is that in the 2nd worksheet the last part of of the string "/#" is missing - so there is no unique identifier to use to differentiate between the first appearance of an ID# and the second. </p>
  
  <p>Is there anyway to add this ability to column A of the 2nd worksheet so that I can have my precious VLOOKUP and get on with the rest of my life?</p>
  
  <p>Any &amp; all help is GREATLY appreciated. </p>
  
  <p>Pardon any confusion or wordiness.</p>