using excel as a database or is there a better alternative?

Question

I have 20,000 cells each with 6 numbers seperated by .`s (ie 1.2.3.4.5.6) in each.
Is there a way to search for 2 or more of the numbers within the cell ( ie 1 and 6 ) with the numbers in any order ?
If not is there another way to be able to perform this search even if it means putting each individual number into different cells or worst case scenario using a different programme totally?
All help gratefully recieved

Answer 1

i've used excel spreadsheet that use almost possible LETTERING (you know from the top, a, b, c... aa, ab... etc) and many thousands down from doing realized gains and losses for an accountant - more of reports than a database.

however if you are looking to use it for a database, you might want to try ACCESS, as you can reference and cross refences almost any way you can imagine.

im not sure if you understood what you're trying to do exactly, but if FIND doesn't work for you, then you might want to try ACCESS.

Answer 2

It sounds to me like you're stuck on keeping the data in current format of "1.2.3.4.5.6" within a single cell. You don't have to. You can convert easily to six cells per record instead of one. You could write six formulae to split up the numbers up into six cells but there's an easier way. Prerequisite is the 20000 cells need to be arranged into a single column.

1) Save file as "Formated Text (space delimited) (*.prn)
2) Open a new spreadsheet
3) Import text - Click Data, Get external data, Import text
4) Text wizard launches, choose "Delimited", click NEXT
5) Under Delimiters, choose "Other" and key in a "."
6) Click Finish
7) Click a location where to import text, then OK.

All the numbers will be segregated into individual cells.

Now you can locate numbers within these cells using the "MATCH" command. It doesn't require your dataset to be sorted. However, it only returns row and column numbers (location) of the matched data. Still, you can use this to return the full record it relates to.

Answer 3

If you put a total at the end of the 20.000 & add up just the 1s (in each column) then the 2's etc in each column. That's 6 Cells.Then Below that another 6 cells to sort out the required No.'s That should work.
Hope you are good at Maths.

Answer 4

It would probably be easier to use Microsoft Access, this is a dedicated database application. There is a facility to "Import" the data from your excel "spreedsheet" into an access "Table", or you can choose to "Link" the data (saves you having to re-type all that data!). You can then set up 1 or more "Queries" to search for what you are looking for, there is plenty of help within access to help you set up the Query in way that will show the data you are looking for. It all depends on what you are trying to DO with the data.

Answer 5

better try to use ms access which is easiest of all databases and note that you may also write queries in it.If you are looking for software there then try Database Editor 2009 v0.1.4.4 ,Databrid 1.5 designed for novice..................

Answer 6

Isn't Microsoft Access for databases?

Answer 7

You can also install MySQL and the MySQL Query Browser on your computer yourself and set it up, without using PHP or having to do it on a seperate server.

Answer 8

try mysql/php, ask a programmer to make a database for you, it should just cost you around $100.

Answer 9

"Microsoft Access" is far better,but it isn,t easy figuring out how to work with it if you are not willing to experiment

Answer 10

Honestly... get a real database.