⮚ how to use vlookup in excel

✅ Excel VLOOKUP:

A Comprehensive Guide for Novices VLOOKUP is one of the most effective tools available to you if you work with Excel and need to search for specific data, such as names, product IDs, or prices. With simple examples and common mistakes to avoid, this guide will teach you how to use VLOOKUP in Excel.

🔍 What does Excel's VLOOKUP mean?

By searching for a value in the first column and returning a related value from another column in the same row, the Excel function VLOOKUP (Vertical Lookup) assists you in finding data in a table.

🧠 Excel Copy VLOOKUP Function Syntax 

Edit =VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup]) 

Specifications:

 lookup_value: The esteem that you just need to explore for , like a item ID. 

 table_array: The data range containing the value

 col_index_num: The number of columns from which a value should be returned

 range_lookup: TRUE for an approximate match, FALSE for an exact match (most common). 

📘 Excel VLOOKUP Example 

Assume that cells A2 through B5 contain the following information:

Price of Product ID: 101 $10, 102 $12, 103 $15 

Use this to determine Product ID 102's price: 

Excel Copy Edit = VLOOKUP(102, A2:B5, 2, FALSE) ✅ Outcome: $12 

When to Use VLOOKUP 

Use a product code to find a price.

Use ID numbers to obtain employee names.

Compare a list of student grades.

Extract data from other files or sheets.

Typical VLOOKUP Errors (and Solutions)

Interpretation of ErrorsHow to Fix #N/A Value Not FoundVerify your spelling or use FALSE for a precise match. 

#REFNo column number is valid.Ensure that your column index falls within the acceptable range. 

The incorrect outcomeThe approximate match was utilised.Replace TRUE with FALSE. 

Professional Advice for Improved VLOOKUP Apply 

When copying the formula, use absolute cell references ($A$2:$B$5) to maintain the table's fixation.

For exact matches, range_lookup should always be set to FALSE. 

To make formulas easier, name your data range.

For greater flexibility, think about moving to Excel 365 or 2021 and using XLOOKUP instead.

Comparing VLOOKUP and XLOOKUP 

Characteristic  (❌ No )

VLOOKUP XLOOKUP Lookup left?   ( ✅ Yes )

Simple to use ✅✅

All versions are available. ✅ Only in Excel 2021 and 365

Real-World Use Case Consider yourself in charge of a shop.

When you enter a product ID, Excel uses VLOOKUP to automatically fillin the product price. It minimises human error in billing or reporting and saves time.

Relevant Functions in Excel

A more potent alternative to VLOOKUP is XLOOKUP.

A flexible substitute for VLOOKUP is INDEX + MATCH. 

HLOOKUP : Conducts horizontal rather than vertical searches. 

📚 Excel VLOOKUP FAQs 

Q1: Can Excel VLOOKUP return multiple values ?

A: The first match is the only one that VLOOKUP returns. For multiple results, use INDEX or FILTER.

Q2: Does the case of VLOOKUP matter ? 

A: It's not. For lookups that are case-sensitive, use EXACT inside INDEX + MATCH.

Q3: Is cross-sheet VLOOKUP compatible ? 

A: Definitely!Simply include the sheet title to the formula:

Final Thoughts

Excel Copy Edit =VLOOKUP(102, Sheet2!A2:B10, 2, FALSE) 

📝 Gaining proficiency with Excel's VLOOKUP function can revolutionise your spreadsheet work.It's quick, reliable, Page 2 of 3 and perfect for robotizing dull occupations.Gaining proficiency in this function will significantly increase your Excel productivity