How to Do an XLOOKUP in Excel: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

How to Do an XLOOKUP in Excel

Performing an XLOOKUP in Excel might seem tricky at first, but it’s a straightforward function once you get the hang of it. Essentially, XLOOKUP allows you to search for a value in a column and return a corresponding value from another column. Think of it as a more versatile and powerful version of VLOOKUP or HLOOKUP. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to use XLOOKUP in Excel with ease.

Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Do an XLOOKUP in Excel

In this section, you’ll find a detailed guide that takes you through each step needed to perform an XLOOKUP in Excel. By following these steps, you’ll be able to find and return values across different columns efficiently.

Step 1: Enter Your Data

First, enter your data into an Excel worksheet.

Ensure that your data is organized in columns. For example, put your search values in column A and the corresponding values you want to return in column B.

Step 2: Select the Cell for the XLOOKUP Formula

Next, click on the cell where you want the result of your XLOOKUP to appear.

This will be the cell where the function’s output is displayed. Make sure it’s in a suitable location within your worksheet.

Step 3: Type the XLOOKUP Function

In the selected cell, start typing the XLOOKUP function: =XLOOKUP(

This is the beginning of the XLOOKUP formula. Excel will show a tooltip to help guide you through the parameters.

Step 4: Input the Lookup Value

After the opening parenthesis, type the value you want to search for, or click the cell that contains this value.

For instance, if you’re looking for a specific name, input that name or reference the cell containing it, like A2.

Step 5: Specify the Lookup Array

Next, type a comma, then select the range of cells where Excel should look for the search value.

This is your lookup array. For example, if your search values are in column A, you would select A:A.

Step 6: Define the Return Array

After another comma, select the range of cells from which you want to return the corresponding value.

This is your return array. If the return values are in column B, you would select B:B.

Step 7: Close the Function and Press Enter

Finally, close the function with a closing parenthesis and press Enter.

Your cell should now display the corresponding value from the return array based on the search value.

Once you complete these steps, Excel will search for the value you specified in the lookup array and return the corresponding value from the return array.

Tips for XLOOKUP in Excel

• Use named ranges to make your formulas easier to read and manage.
• If your data spans multiple sheets, ensure you have selected the correct sheet for both the lookup and return arrays.
• XLOOKUP also supports wildcard characters, like * and ?, for partial matching.
• Take advantage of the optional parameters in XLOOKUP for more advanced lookup needs, like handling errors or searching in reverse order.
• Keep your data sorted for the best performance, especially when working with large datasets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between XLOOKUP and VLOOKUP?

XLOOKUP is more flexible and can search both vertically and horizontally, whereas VLOOKUP only searches vertically.

Can XLOOKUP handle errors?

Yes, XLOOKUP has built-in error handling options that allow you to define a value to return if the search value is not found.

Is XLOOKUP available in all versions of Excel?

No, XLOOKUP is available in Excel for Microsoft 365 and Excel 2019.

Can XLOOKUP search in multiple columns?

Yes, you can use XLOOKUP to search across multiple columns by adjusting the lookup and return arrays accordingly.

How do I use XLOOKUP with multiple criteria?

You can use nested XLOOKUP functions or combine XLOOKUP with other functions like FILTER to handle multiple criteria.

Summary

1. Enter your data.
2. Select the cell for the XLOOKUP formula.
3. Type the XLOOKUP function.
4. Input the lookup value.
5. Specify the lookup array.
6. Define the return array.
7. Close the function and press Enter.

Conclusion

XLOOKUP is a powerful and versatile function in Excel that can save you loads of time and effort. By understanding how to use it, you can perform more complex data searches and retrievals with ease. Whether you’re working on a simple list or a massive dataset, XLOOKUP can handle the job.

Why not give it a try today? You’ll see that it’s a game-changer for anyone who spends time working with spreadsheets. For more detailed guides and advanced tips, you can always explore Excel’s official documentation or join forums where experts share their insights. Happy Excel-ing!