[Curious]

...This is a contact list.? I have contact lists from multiple sources and I need the most efficient way to compile all data into one workbook on a single tab. Please note that some names are duplicated on the different source lists. (I was going to use VLOOKUP, but if the names are duplicated, the information from one source list may overwrite information brought in from another source list.)

[Dave]

When dealing with potentially duplicate keys, the easiest way to deal with it would be to create a new key that you expect to be unique. For example, some combination of your first name, last name, zipcode, and a few other fields. You can then use a VLOOKUP on that new column (that should have unique values only) and create your list that way. In general with databases you need to have a unique id in order to be able to reference data reliably.


Another very easy way to consolidate data that is built into Excel are Pivot Tables. If you can get all of your information into a consistent list format and copy it all onto one sheet, Pivot Tables can give you quick answers for a lot of your questions.