Thank you, actually i have no control over the data structure it's being returned from a call i simply need to get at what is there. re arrangement isn't an option. but thanks # AKA $VAR1->{table}[0][0]; is exactly what i needed. And to everyone else, thanks, i haven't been to this site in a number of years, but my memory was that the memebers were always extremely helpful and you still are!