How to Do XLOOKUP in Excel with Two Spreadsheets
Struggling to find data across two different Excel spreadsheets? Well, you’re in luck because the XLOOKUP function can make your life a whole lot easier. This function allows you to search for a value in one spreadsheet and bring back information from another. It’s like having a personal detective for your data! Follow these steps to master XLOOKUP in Excel with two spreadsheets.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Do XLOOKUP in Excel with Two Spreadsheets
We’re going to walk you through the steps to perform an XLOOKUP in Excel using two separate spreadsheets. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to locate and retrieve data quickly and efficiently.
Step 1: Open Both Spreadsheets
First, open the two Excel spreadsheets that you will be working with.
Having both spreadsheets open allows you to easily switch between them and ensures that Excel can access data from both files.
Step 2: Identify the Lookup Value
Determine the value you want to search for in the first spreadsheet.
The lookup value is the piece of information that you want to find in the second spreadsheet. Make sure you know exactly what you’re searching for.
Step 3: Select the Cell for Your XLOOKUP Formula
In the first spreadsheet, click on the cell where you want the result to appear.
Choosing the right cell for your formula ensures that your data stays organized and easy to read.
Step 4: Enter the XLOOKUP Formula
Type =XLOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_array, return_array) in the selected cell, replacing the placeholders with your actual data.
The lookup_value is what you’re searching for, the lookup_array is where you’re searching for it, and the return_array is what you want to be returned.
Step 5: Reference the Second Spreadsheet
In your formula, reference the second spreadsheet for both the lookup_array and return_array.
You can do this by switching to the second spreadsheet and selecting the appropriate ranges. Excel will automatically add the file path to your formula.
Step 6: Press Enter
After completing the formula, press Enter to execute it.
Once you press Enter, Excel will perform the search and display the result in the cell you selected earlier.
Step 7: Check the Result
Verify that the result is correct.
Make sure the value returned by XLOOKUP is accurate to ensure that your formula was correctly entered.
After successfully following these steps, you should be able to seamlessly pull data from one spreadsheet into another using the XLOOKUP function. This method streamlines data retrieval, saving you time and effort.
Tips for How to Do XLOOKUP in Excel with Two Spreadsheets
- Make sure both spreadsheets are saved in an accessible location to avoid path issues.
- Use named ranges to simplify your XLOOKUP formula.
- Test your formula with a few values to ensure accuracy.
- Keep both spreadsheets open to make navigating back and forth easier.
- Use absolute references ($A$1:$A$10) to lock the range if you plan to copy the formula to other cells.
Frequently Asked Questions
What versions of Excel support XLOOKUP?
XLOOKUP is available in Excel for Office 365 and Excel 2019. Older versions of Excel do not support this function.
Can I use XLOOKUP for multiple criteria?
Yes, but you will need to nest other functions like IF or concatenate values to meet the criteria.
What happens if XLOOKUP doesn’t find a match?
By default, XLOOKUP will return an #N/A error. You can use the optional argument [if_not_found] to specify a custom message or value.
Can XLOOKUP search from right to left?
Yes, unlike VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP can search in any direction, including right to left.
Is XLOOKUP case-sensitive?
No, XLOOKUP is not case-sensitive. It treats "Apple" and "apple" as the same value.
Summary
- Open both spreadsheets.
- Identify the lookup value.
- Select the cell for your XLOOKUP formula.
- Enter the XLOOKUP formula.
- Reference the second spreadsheet.
- Press Enter.
- Check the result.
Conclusion
By now, you should feel pretty confident about using XLOOKUP in Excel with two spreadsheets. This function is like a bridge, connecting different worlds of data into one cohesive unit. Imagine never having to manually copy and paste data again! It’s a game-changer for anyone dealing with large datasets across multiple files.
If you found this guide helpful, consider diving deeper into other powerful Excel functions like INDEX and MATCH. The more tools you have in your Excel toolbox, the more efficient and unstoppable you’ll become. Don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you.
Happy Excel-ing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.