Code Golf: Numeric equivalent of an Excel column name

Answer 1

Excel (not cheating), 25 chars

Supports up to XFD:

=COLUMN(INDIRECT(A1&"1"))

Installation:

2. Put the formula in cell A2.

Usage:

1. Enter the column string in cell A1.
2. Read the result at cell A2.

---

54 chars, plus a lot of instructions

Supports ROFL also:

(A2)  =MAX(B:B)
(B2)  =IFERROR(26*B1+CODE(MID(A$1,ROW()-1,1))-64,0)

Installation:

1. Clear the whole spreadsheet.
2. Put the formula (A2) in cell A2.
3. Put the formula (B2) in cell B2.
4. Fill formula (B2) to as far down as possible.

Usage:

4. Enter the column string in cell A1.
5. Read the result at cell A2.