Vlookup in Excel
Sai Kishore Gudiboina
Data Engineer at KPI Partners || "Physics and Maths Scholar"
Purpose of Excel VLOOKUP
Efficient Search
The main purpose of VLOOKUP is to search for a specific value in a table and return the corresponding value from a different column.
Time-saving
It's a quick and efficient way to get data from a different table without manually searching and copying it yourself.
Better Productivity
By using VLOOKUP, you can save valuable time and increase your overall productivity.
Syntax and Argument
VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup])
Correctly Applying Excel VLOOKUP
Step 1: Set up your table
Make sure your table has unique values in the leftmost column.
Step 2: Decide on your search value
Choose a value that exists in the leftmost column and that you want to retrieve data for.
Step 3: Write the formula
Open the VLOOKUP function, select your arguments, and write your formula in the cell where you want your result.
Step 4: Check for errors
Make sure your formula works correctly and troubleshoot common VLOOKUP errors.
领英推荐
Troubleshooting VLOOKUP Errors
#N/A Error
Occurs when the lookup value is not found in the table. Check for typos or hidden spaces.
#REF! Error
Occurs when the table array or column number is incorrect or changes in size. Check the table range and adjust the formula.
#VALUE! Error
Occurs when any argument used in the formula is of the wrong data type. Double-check that all the references are in the correct cell format.
Alternative Functions to VLOOKUP
INDEX & MATCH
A more flexible and versatile alternative to VLOOKUP that can handle two search variables and works on vertical tables as well.
HLOOKUP
Similar to VLOOKUP but works on horizontal tables and searches for values in rows instead of columns.
LOOKUP
A basic version of VLOOKUP that searches for an exact match on a single row or column.
Conclusion
Easy to learn, hard to master
VLOOKUP is a powerful and essential tool for anyone who works with large datasets in Excel.
Efficient and Productive
It saves time, increases productivity, and creates accurate results.