How to Solve a Cryptogram Using Excel & VLOOKUP

In this video, I show you how to solve a simple substitution cryptogram using Microsoft Excel. You'll learn how to use the VLOOKUP function to automatically decode letters as you solve the puzzle, making it much easier to spot words and complete the cryptogram.

Even if you've never used VLOOKUP before, this project is a fun way to learn one of Excel's most useful functions through a real-world example.

This step-by-step tutorial covers:

* Building a lookup table for your cipher
* Using VLOOKUP to decode letters automatically
* Locking cell references with dollar signs ($)
* Copying formulas across the worksheet
* Hiding zero values for a cleaner puzzle

This tutorial is designed for simple substitution (Aristocrat-style) cryptograms, where each encrypted letter always represents the same decoded letter.

To follow along, download the companion practice workbook from the blog post:

simplesoftwaretutorials.com/2020/10/27/how-to-s…

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