title: Performing lookups with merged cells in Google Spreadsheets
body: <p>Given a set of multi-dimensional data represented in a Google Spreadsheet:</p>
  
  <pre><code> A | 1 | x
   A | 2 | y
   A | 3 | z
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>It is pretty straightforward to do a lookup on multiple values using the <code>FILTER</code> and <code>INDEX</code> functions.  Doing a lookup for <code>A2</code> would result in <code>y</code>.  However, if the similar data is merged into a single cell:</p>
  
  <pre><code>   | 1 | x
   A | 2 | y
     | 3 | z
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>Is there a function that would accomplish the same thing?  the <code>FILTER</code> method only returns the first row in the implicit set because there is only an <code>A</code> actually on the first row.</p>
  
  <p>If interested, <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15EKxJwafEHdCPvO4zj9dw0ii2rXKxF-chtTmUR0lX5s/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow" title="Power Grid Companion">you can view the live sheet here</a> using the 'Rules' sheet.</p>
  
  <p>I have been working on a custom function, but am hoping for something more portable.  Helper cells would be fine, as long as I can hide them on a separate sheet.</p>