Performing a VLOOKUP in Excel can seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think. Essentially, it’s like looking up a definition in a dictionary. You point Excel to a reference table, tell it what column you want to search, and specify the data you want to retrieve. Follow these steps, and you’ll master VLOOKUP in no time!
How to Perform VLOOKUP in Excel
Follow these steps to perform a VLOOKUP in Excel, which allows you to search for specific data within a table and return a corresponding value.
Step 1: Open Your Excel File
Make sure you have your Excel file ready with the data you want to look up.
Open the file where you plan to use VLOOKUP. If you don’t have one, you can create a simple table with data for practice. It’s important to have a structured table for this function to work properly.
Step 2: Identify Your Reference Table
Know exactly which table contains the data you want to look up.
Identify the range of cells (reference table) where your data is located. Make sure the first column of this range includes the lookup values.
Step 3: Select the Cell for Your VLOOKUP Formula
Click on the cell where you want the result to appear.
Choose an empty cell where you want to display the result of the VLOOKUP function. This will be the cell where you type in the VLOOKUP formula.
Step 4: Start Typing the VLOOKUP Formula
Enter the VLOOKUP function by typing =VLOOKUP(.
In the chosen cell, start by typing =VLOOKUP(. This initiates the function, signaling Excel that you want to perform a lookup operation.
Step 5: Enter the Lookup Value
Type in the value you want to look up, or click on the cell that contains this value.
This is the value you want to search for in the first column of your reference table. You can either type it directly or select a cell that contains the value.
Step 6: Specify the Table Array
Highlight or type in the range of the reference table.
After the lookup value, type a comma, then specify the range of your reference table (e.g., A2:D10). This tells Excel where to look for the data.
Step 7: Indicate the Column Number
Type the number of the column from which to retrieve the data.
Following another comma, enter the number corresponding to the column that has the data you want. For example, if you want data from the second column, you would type 2.
Step 8: Select the Match Type
Type FALSE for an exact match or TRUE for an approximate match.
After another comma, type FALSE to get an exact match or TRUE for an approximate match. Most of the time, you will use FALSE.
Step 9: Close the Formula and Press Enter
Close the parentheses and hit Enter to complete the formula.
Finish off your formula with a closing parenthesis and press Enter. Your cell should now display the looked-up value.
Once you complete these steps, Excel will search the reference table for the lookup value and return the corresponding data from the specified column. If done correctly, you should see the desired result in your selected cell.
Tips for Performing VLOOKUP in Excel
- Always ensure your reference table is sorted if using an approximate match.
- Use absolute cell references (e.g., $A$2:$D$10) to prevent changes when copying the formula.
- VLOOKUP only looks to the right, so ensure your lookup value is in the first column.
- Use IFERROR to handle errors gracefully, like so: =IFERROR(VLOOKUP(…), "Not Found").
- Remember that VLOOKUP is case-insensitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if VLOOKUP can’t find the value?
If VLOOKUP can’t find the value, it will return an #N/A error. Make sure the lookup value exists in the reference table and matches exactly if using FALSE for an exact match.
Can I use VLOOKUP to search for partial matches?
No, VLOOKUP doesn’t support wildcard characters for partial matches. For partial matches, you might want to use other functions like MATCH or INDEX.
What is the difference between VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP?
VLOOKUP searches for data vertically in columns, while HLOOKUP searches horizontally in rows. They are otherwise very similar.
Can VLOOKUP work with data from another sheet?
Yes, you can use VLOOKUP to reference data in another sheet. Just include the sheet name followed by an exclamation mark before the range (e.g., Sheet2!A2:D10).
How do I fix an #REF! error in VLOOKUP?
An #REF! error usually means the column index number you specified is outside the range of your table array. Double-check your column index number to ensure it falls within the range.
Summary
- Open Your Excel File
- Identify Your Reference Table
- Select the Cell for Your VLOOKUP Formula
- Start Typing the VLOOKUP Formula
- Enter the Lookup Value
- Specify the Table Array
- Indicate the Column Number
- Select the Match Type
- Close the Formula and Press Enter
Conclusion
Mastering VLOOKUP in Excel is like learning a new language—initially tricky but incredibly useful once you get the hang of it. Whether you’re a student managing grades, a business analyst crunching numbers, or just someone trying to organize a home budget, VLOOKUP can make your life so much easier.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Start with simple tables to get the basics down, then gradually move on to more complex datasets. Don’t forget to use the tips provided to avoid common pitfalls. Before you know it, you’ll be performing VLOOKUP like a pro.
For further reading, consider exploring other powerful Excel functions like INDEX and MATCH, which can offer even more flexibility for complex data retrieval tasks. Happy Excelling!
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.