
The formula relies on this order to place the lookup value in the correct range. When looking in ranges with VLOOKUP, it is essential that the first column of the table array (column D in this scenario) is sorted in ascending order. The table array has been fixed to stop it changing when the formula is copied down the cells of column B. However, it lacks an important feature - its syntax allows for just one lookup value. The VLOOKUP function counts the first column as 1, but our MATCH function starts at column B, so it is necessary to add 1 to the column number for the VLOOKUP to return the value from the correct column. The Excel VLOOKUP function is really helpful when it comes to searching across a database for a certain value. The completed formula for our example is shown below: =VLOOKUP(A2,$D$2:$E$7,2,TRUE) We can insert MATCH into the VLOOKUP function in place of the column number. Are you performing a range lookup? For us, the answer is yes (or “TRUE” in VLOOKUP terms).
#EXCEL VLOOKUP HOW TO#
For us, this is the table containing the scores and associated grades ( range D2:E7). How to use VLOOKUP in Excel Step 1: Organize the data The first step to effectively using the VLOOKUP function is to make sure your data is well. table_array: This is often referred to unofficially as the lookup table.Note: The image directly below contains the formulas. The INDEX / MATCH combination can be used to emulate a VLOOKUP, with the advantage of more flexibility. For us, this is the score in column A, starting with cell A2. Most Excel users are aware of the power of the VLOOKUP Function, but many are not aware of the power of the INDEX Function and the Match Function used in combination. lookup_value: This is the value for which you are looking.In that formula, the variables work like this: A good example for VLOOKUP in real life is our Contacts app on the phone: We lookup for a friend’s name, and the app returns its number.

VLOOKUP in Excel may sound complicated, but you will find out that it is a very easy and useful tool once you try it. Enter your table array or lookup table, the range of data you want to search, and a comma: (H2,B3:F25, Enter column index number. As the name specifies, VLOOKUP is a built-in Excel function that helps you look for a specified value by searching for it vertically across the sheet. This can be an actual value, or a blank cell that will. VLOOKUP helps us lookup a value in table, and return a corresponding value. In the parentheses, enter your lookup value, followed by a comma.

Before we get into applying the formula to our example, let’s have a quick reminder of the VLOOKUP syntax: =VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, range_lookup) VLOOKUP is probably the most popular function in Excel, and one of the most helpful functions for everyday use.
