How to Use XLOOKUP in Excel with Two Sheets: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sure, let’s dive into the world of Excel. If you need to pull data from two different sheets in Excel, the XLOOKUP function is your best friend. This tool lets you search for a value in one sheet and return a corresponding value from a different sheet.

In this quick guide, you’ll learn how to use XLOOKUP to match data between two sheets.

How to Use XLOOKUP in Excel with Two Sheets

Follow these steps to seamlessly use XLOOKUP across two sheets. You’ll be able to fetch data from one sheet and display it in another effortlessly.

Step 1: Open Your Workbook

Make sure you have both sheets in the same workbook.

Open Excel and either create a new workbook or use an existing one. Ensure the sheets you want to work with are available.

Step 2: Select the Cell for the XLOOKUP Formula

Choose the cell where you want the result to appear.

For example, if you want to fetch the data into Sheet1, click on the specific cell in Sheet1 where you want the XLOOKUP result to be displayed.

Step 3: Start Typing the XLOOKUP Function

Type =XLOOKUP( to begin your formula.

This action initiates the XLOOKUP function, which will help you search and find the data you need from another sheet.

Step 4: Enter the Lookup Value

Input the value you want to search for.

This value could be a cell reference, like A2, or a specific value, like "Product123". This is the value XLOOKUP will look for in the other sheet.

Step 5: Reference the Lookup Array

Specify the range in the second sheet where the lookup value can be found.

For example, if your lookup values are in Sheet2 from cells B2 to B10, you would enter Sheet2!B2:B10.

Step 6: Define the Return Array

Enter the range of cells from which you want to return the data.

Once XLOOKUP finds the lookup value, it will return data from this range. For example, Sheet2!C2:C10.

Step 7: Close the Function and Press Enter

Finalize your XLOOKUP function by closing the parentheses and pressing Enter.

Your complete formula might look something like this: =XLOOKUP(A2, Sheet2!B2:B10, Sheet2!C2:C10). Hit Enter to see the result.

After completing these steps, Excel will display the corresponding value from the second sheet in the cell you selected in the first sheet.

Tips for Using XLOOKUP in Excel with Two Sheets

  • Make sure your ranges are the same size: The lookup array and return array should have the same number of cells.
  • Use absolute references if needed: If you’re copying the formula to other cells, use $ to lock the ranges.
  • Check for errors: If the lookup value isn’t found, XLOOKUP can return an error. You can use an optional argument to handle these cases.
  • Try using wildcards: Wildcards like * and ? can be useful if you’re searching for partial matches.
  • Practice with sample data: Before applying XLOOKUP to important data, practice on a small set to understand how it works.

Frequently Asked Questions about Using XLOOKUP in Excel with Two Sheets

Can XLOOKUP return multiple values?

No, XLOOKUP returns just one value, the first match it finds. For multiple values, consider using other functions or methods.

What if my sheets are in different workbooks?

XLOOKUP works best within the same workbook. For different workbooks, you might need to use more complex referencing techniques.

How do I handle errors in XLOOKUP?

You can use the optional if_not_found argument to specify what to return if no match is found, like =XLOOKUP(A2, Sheet2!B2:B10, Sheet2!C2:C10, "Not Found").

Can I use XLOOKUP with text values?

Yes, XLOOKUP works with both text and numerical values. Just ensure that your lookup value matches the data type in the lookup array.

What’s the difference between VLOOKUP and XLOOKUP?

XLOOKUP is more versatile and simpler to use compared to VLOOKUP. It can search both vertically and horizontally and doesn’t require sorting of data.

Summary

  1. Open Your Workbook
  2. Select the Cell for the XLOOKUP Formula
  3. Start Typing the XLOOKUP Function
  4. Enter the Lookup Value
  5. Reference the Lookup Array
  6. Define the Return Array
  7. Close the Function and Press Enter

Conclusion

Congratulations! You now know how to use XLOOKUP in Excel with two sheets. This handy function makes data retrieval across sheets a walk in the park. Remember to double-check your ranges and practice with sample data first.

Using XLOOKUP effectively can save you tons of time and reduce errors in your data analysis. If you’re keen to become an Excel wizard, keep exploring more functions and practice regularly. Knowing how to leverage tools like XLOOKUP will streamline your workflow and make you the go-to person for Excel help in your team.

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