Having them each on their own tab on the same spreadsheet.

... converting the two spreadsheets into tables and putting the tables in tabs on that same spreadsheet. Then use the tables as the basis for VLOOKUP. Exploring that further.

U don’t want.

Just way too much to carve out. It took me a couple of hours just to get through the first 10%. There's gotta be something easier - PLEASE!!!

Import or attach separately to same db, then use access query builder.

First convert the spreadsheet data to table data then you can reference them from another sheet. Go to a site like Mr. Excel or just google related tables in excel.

If u merged all the data u should be able to reference what u do want from another sheet, instead of the clipping out.

so I need to think about which function allows me to repeat this referencing new data points for different purposes. I'll try a sample set with each of those approaches and see which gives me the least challenges!

I did spreadsheets for a living for a good number of years, so I can pretty much make Excel sing and dance jigs. I'd be happy to assist, but need a bit more info. Send me a PM if you want.

I'll send you a DM later this afternoon.