Let's say your criteria in C2 holds Shoes

D2
=INDEX($B$2:$B$10,SMALL(IF($A$2:$A$10=$C$2,ROW(IND IRECT("1:"&ROWS($B$2:$B$10)))),ROWS($1:1)))

ctrl+shift+enter, not just enter
copy down from D2 to d4


"Mike Moore" wrote:

I have two columns of data. Column A contains a product's description.
Column B contains a stock number.

Column A (product description) will have descriptions that repeat several
times (repetition will not be in any sort order). Column B's will be unique
(i.e. there are no repetitions).

I need help with a formula that will extract the stock numbers of the first
3 occurances that match a specified product description.

For example - raw data

Shoes XY123
Gloves GL321
Shoes XY124
Mask MA456
Shoes XY125
Belt BE987
Shoes XY126
Socks SO555
Shoes XY127

The formula would extract and place in column A (new tab):

Row 1 XY123
Row 2 XY124
Row 3 XY125

Thanks!