#Excel VLOOKUP Function

[mitcenter]

Excel VLOOKUP Function: How to Use It Like a Pro

Excel is a powerful tool for data analysis and management, and one of its most useful functions is VLOOKUP. If you're looking to streamline your data retrieval processes, mastering VLOOKUP is essential. This blog will guide you through the function, how to use VLOOKUP Function in excel, its syntax, practical examples, and tips for using it like a pro.

What is VLOOKUP?

VLOOKUP stands for "Vertical Lookup." It's a function that allows you to search for a specific value in the first column of a range (or table) and return a value in the same row from a specified column. This function is particularly useful for merging data from different sources or tables.

The Syntax of VLOOKUP

The syntax of the VLOOKUP function is straightforward:

=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup])

lookup_value: The value you want to search for. This can be a cell reference or a static value.

table_array: The range of cells that contains the data. It should include the column with the lookup value and the column from which you want to retrieve data.

col_index_num: The column number in the table_array from which to retrieve the data. The first column is 1, the second is 2, and so on.

[range_lookup]: This argument is optional. Use TRUE for an approximate match and FALSE for an exact match. Typically, you will want to use FALSE to avoid unexpected results.

How to Use VLOOKUP: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare Your Data

Before using VLOOKUP, ensure your data is organized. The lookup value should be in the first column of the table array, and the column from which you want to retrieve data should be to the right of it.

Step 2: Enter the VLOOKUP Formula

Click on the cell where you want the result to appear. 

Type the VLOOKUP formula. For example, if you want to look up the price of an item in column A based on its name in column B, your formula might look like this:

=VLOOKUP(B2, A1:C10, 3, FALSE)

Here, B2 is the item name you're looking for, A1 is the range of your data, 3 indicates that you want the result from the third column, and FALSE specifies that you want an exact match.

Step 3: Press Enter

After entering the formula, press Enter. If the lookup value exists in the first column of the specified range, Excel will return the corresponding value from the specified column.

Step 4: Drag the Formula (if needed)

If you need to apply the same lookup to multiple rows, you can drag the fill handle (the small square at the bottom-right corner of the cell) down to copy the formula to adjacent cells.

Practical Examples of VLOOKUP

Example 1: Simple Lookup

Imagine you have a list of products with their corresponding prices:

1) Product = Apple, Price = ₹240 ($2.87) 2) Product = Bananas, Price = ₹100 ($1.20) 3) Product = Oranges, Price = ₹80 ($0.96)

If you want to find the price of Bananas, you would use:

=VLOOKUP("Bananas", A1:B4, 2, FALSE)

This formula returns ₹100 ($1.20).

Example 2: Using Cell References

If your lookup value is in another cell (e.g., D1), you can use:

=VLOOKUP(D1, A1:B4, 2, FALSE)

Example 3: Handling Errors

Sometimes, the lookup value may not exist in the data. To handle potential errors, you can wrap your VLOOKUP in the IFERROR function:

=IFERROR(VLOOKUP(D1, A1:B4, 2, FALSE), "Not Found")

This formula will display "Not Found" if the lookup value is not present.

Tips for Using VLOOKUP Like a Pro

Keep Your Data Clean: Ensure there are no extra spaces or different formats in your lookup column.

Use Named Ranges: For easier reference, consider naming your table array. This makes your formulas cleaner and easier to manage.

Explore Alternatives: If you're dealing with more complex data, consider using INDEX and MATCH functions together, which can provide more flexibility than VLOOKUP.

Conclusion

The VLOOKUP function is a powerful ally in data management and analysis. By understanding its syntax and application, you can retrieve data efficiently and effectively. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, mastering VLOOKUP will elevate your Excel capabilities and help you work smarter, not harder.

[djmixedtape]

say what you want about reddit but the kind strangers of r/excel just helped me solve a work problem that's gonna make me look like a superhero tomorrow

[dreadwedge]

Bet you didn’t think a cute little baby goat like me, resting beneath a black walnut tree to escape the summer sun, would be proficient in Microsoft Excel, did you. Bet you didn’t expect me to know how to optimize a spreadsheet by implementing conditional formatting rules huh. Bet you took one look at me and thought “no way this kid knows how to use the VLOOKUP function.” Well guess what, I do. I know a diverse array of useful formulas and my body is capable of digesting poison ivy. I eat that shit like potato chips. Get the fuck out of my paddock

[prokopetz]

I would super like to know more about your job, because I'be been slowly upskilling/portfolio building to make myself viable for my own dream career, and almost every time I learn something new I see a post on your Tumblr about it.

My day job is one of those ill-defined roles encompassing app development, server and database administration, UI design, technical writing, general consulting, and teaching people how to use the VLOOKUP function in Microsoft Excel. The job title on my business cards just says "wizard", which literally no-one has ever questioned.

[ghostofbambifanfiction]

Anyway now that everyone's confused, have a chapter 49 snippet

Remus Lupin: Peter's asking me why he hasn't been added back to the group chat yet.

Sirius Black added Peter Pettigrew

Sirius Black: Stop fucking leaving then

Peter Pettigrew: You were supposed to add me back right after I left!

James Potter: but every time you leave the chat it becomes harder to forgive harder to forget harder to reconcile especially when i later come to you for help and you cruelly rebuff me

Remus Lupin: What are you on about?

Peter Pettigrew: James asked me to teach him the full functionality of Excel yesterday and I said no.

Remus Lupin: Why did you need to know the full functionality of Excel?

Peter Pettigrew: Some Lily related reason, probably.

James Potter: first of all peter if you're going to keep exiting the group chat in a huff you may as well vlookup new friends we four are meant to be a merged cell and i've had it with you exporting yourself elsewhere then deciding to pivot table your way back in

Peter Pettigrew: ......WHAT?

James Potter: see? i can learn excel all by myself

Remus Lupin: You've clearly just Googled a glossary of Excel terms.

James Potter: a full understanding of the terminology is a vital step towards excel proficiency my friend

Sirius Black: I'd love to take the piss too but he is actually using Excel for a serious reason

James Potter: that's right and now that i know how to wrap text and expand column widths it's over for you people

[mylittleredgirl]

okay never mind i DO want push notifications for “exciting updates” from businesses because i just learned that excel delivered the xlookup function unto the starving masses FIVE YEARS AGO. general release MARCH 2020. are you kidding me. are you kidding me!!! it took until 2025 for me to make a typo in the formula bar and go oh hello? what’s this? and change my entire life. not only have i been dealing with a global pandemic i have been doing it WHILE indexing and matching and nesting iserror vlookups i am going! to! walk into the sea!!!

[valiantarcher]

Tagged by @citadelofthestars - thank you!

Last song: Something off of ThistleRadio earlier.

Last book: I'm saying The Club of Queer Trades by G.K. Chesterton because I have 17 pages left and should finish it tonight.

Last movie: I think this would've been By the Light of the Silvery Moon.

Last TV show: I think an episode of Nailed It!, if that counts.

Sweet/Spicy/Savoury: Sweet is still probably top, but I get sweetened out much more easily now than I used to, so savoury is also up there.

Relationship status: Hasn't changed since the last time I did one of these (when I think I had a clever answer but I don't remember what it was now).

Last thing I web searched: I don't remember the exact search term but I was trying to remember what Excel function would let me do a search on one list and return a corresponding value from another (it was VLOOKUP, if anyone is wondering).

Current obsession: I wouldn't call it an obsession, but I'm still poking around the opera topic some and have been listening to the classical music radio station regularly.

Looking forward to: Things being less busy at work and in general. Also, book sales upcoming.

Leaving an open tag for anyone who'd like to do this. :)

[patrice-bergerons]

hi Alex!! i hope you don't mind, but if i have an excel question 👉👈 basically i have a long long list of items, each with its price. i want to make smaller lists of different combinations of items, and have it auto-populate a column with the prices for each list. if i have the full list of each item with its price, is there a way to get my smaller lists to auto-populate with the price from this?? hope this makes sense and sorry for the random ask 😭😭

Please it makes my day every time I get an excel question 🥰🥰🥰

It sounds like what you need is the =VLOOKUP() function which can "look up" prices from the long list to populate the shorter list. Here is a mock up:

I have a fake long list in cells A1 thru A5 and a fake short list in A9:10. To find the price for mangoes I entered the vlookup formula into cell B9. It takes 4 values (separated by commas in the above- if you are using excel in a different language the separator might be something else)

What do you need to be looked up? Here the answer is a mango, which is entered into cell A9, so I said A9. The $ in front of the A tells Excel to fix the column reference. In other words even if you copy the same formula to cell C9, it would still reference column A, not B (which is what it would have done sans fixing)

Where do you want this to be looked up? The answer is the long list so I gave the full range for it. The $A$1 notation fixes the entire range, so regardless of what column or row you copy your formula into it will keep referencing the same range.

Which column's values do you want me to return? Here price is in the second column of the referenced array so we say 2. If your second column contained e.g. colour and prices were in the 3rd, we would have made our reference range $A$1:$C$6 above and said 3 here.

Do you want me to look things up based on the vibes? 😎 NEVER trust excel to vibe so we say false, i.e. give me an exact match. Idk what's up with the mobile app but in my computer I don't enter the () after false.

You can then hit copy with the cell selected and paste the formula into the rest of your small list and voila, prices!

Vlookup can look up values across different tabs and it can be made more dynamic than the simple example I have above. There are also other more complicated formulas that are even more dynamic. Conversely all this formula business can be quite confusing when you are new to it. My DMs are fully open if you have questions, follow-ups, or the above does not work for you!

For further reference here is the formula for grape:

On my computer, when I had just written the formula in B9 and hit enter, I would have selected B9 and B10 and then hit Ctrl + D which would drag the formula down to B10. As an alternative to copying cell B9 and pasting it onto B10.

[kyndaris]

Fake It Til You Make It

It's with a heavy heart that I admit, once again, I have yet to finish off Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth at time of writing up this post. While I'm certain the ending is not far off, there's a plethora of side activities demanding my attention including the likes of Queen's Blood and secondary quests. Oh, and competing in the Musclehead Coliseum at the Gold Saucer. But I'm certain my next post will most assuredly be all about our Gaslight, Gatekeep and Girlboss queen: Sephiroth!

Honestly, if the world of Gaia actually had an Employee Assistance Program and a slew of therapists at their beck and call, I'm a hundred percent certain Sephiroth would not be able to so easily manipulate main protagonist Cloud Strife into doing his bidding.

Of course, that's a blog for another day!

Speaking of therapy, though, I'm certain I'd be perfect picture of a client who is intellectualises many of my problems and is quite self-aware of the glaring issues I need to address. Unfortunately, knowing what I need to do is a lot easier than actually putting in the effort. Take, for example, the very real impostor syndrome I felt when I'd been offered a chance to act up at my work place.

The anxiety bubbling in my stomach, the spiralling thoughts...

This was, despite the fact, I'd grown bored with my role and was actively looking for something a little bit more challenging. I think a part of it was because the supervisor for the new team, when he called me, had glanced through my resume and had pinpointed several aspects he thought beneficial to the role I'd be taking up. Namely, Microsoft Excel.

Of course, I'd tried to dissuade him of his assumptions. After all, for most of my working life, Excel has simply been a means of inputting data. There is no sorting, no freeze rowing or actually pivot tabling of the information at hand. That is reserved for another member of our team. One who eat, sleeps and breathes spreadsheets.

I just know how to do basic functions. Like filtering or creating new columns.

Using something like vlookup, though? No. No way. Not in my wheelhouse. Heck, any formula besides sum and a few other simple functions are way out of my scope. I wouldn't know the first thing about them. At all.

And yet, here I was, being trusted to assist with an important report and finally use my brain to critically analyse the information that would go in it, noting any important trends that may have cropped up. Wasn't this something I'd wanted to do since I'd got my degree in Social Science? Yes, the quantitative data before me wasn't entirely related to criminology, but it was a start.

I think part of it comes from being a gifted child when I was younger. One who attended school with other gifted children. Growing up was not easy when everyone else was just as intelligent, if not more so, than you. Coupled with my mother's expectations to be more perfect, is it any wonder I came away from it saddled with crippling self-doubt and low self-esteem?

While failure is a great fear I've harboured for many a long while, it seems passingly strange that it doesn't always carry over into everything I do. Take video games, for example. In many a game, especially platformers, I've often had to retry levels multiple times to get past it. Each time, of course, learning what I did wrong and how I might improve. Yes, sometimes I'd be convinced it was the game's fault and not mine, but I'd persist.

And if persistence didn't pay off after a significant period, I knew I could always lower the difficulty.

Failing in real life, however, is a different ordeal. Or so it feels.

While I know each failure I commit won't lead to the heat-death of the universe, and that it's a learning experience, I find it hard to accept I may not always be good at something from the onset. After all, theoretical principles, once explained, are understandable to an extent. And if I'm following an instructor, doing as he does during special targeted training with minimal requests for help, it must mean I innately know the content. Right?

Well, no. Because training in a closed and guided environment doesn't always translate to the exterior world. Take for example, driving a car. Let it be known, dear reader, I failed my driving test twice before finally passing my third go.

It was this very reason that I found problematic when it came to my degree at university. Sure, we used the programs available for the students, but there was a distinct lack of focus for the wider applications for the knowledge I was attaining. There was no course for extrapolating information from an Excel database. Qualitative data was nigh impossible to assess for the end-of-term project unless the responses were individually sifted through. And none of what I was doing seemed to reflect the kind of work I'd face in a professional setting.

Quite frankly, it was a bit of a mess.

Fast forward to the current day and I'm all but drowning my fear that I'll mess up and make a fool of myself. Even as I know I'm a quick learner and could pick up the skills after a few tries.

But in the back of my mind, the doubt remains. The harsh inner critic telling me I'll never be enough. That the people around me will judge me for not immediately knowing what needs to be done and how. Even though I know they'd only have picked me out of the gods-know-how-many other candidates who had also thrown their hat into the ring (maybe it was one. Maybe it was two. Or perhaps it was a neat hundred. One can only dream, right? Like winning the lotto?)

And maybe it's also the reason why I struggle with finding love. Sometimes I wonder if part of the reason why I can't seem to connect with anyone is actually a form of self-sabotage. My own self-hatred getting in the way of me creating a lasting connection with the strangers I meet. Then again...it could be just that many of the people I've met haven't really wowed me or met my stringent standards.

What I do know is that the person I have a crush on?

I'm scared they might reject me if I were to find a quiet time to tell them of my feelings. Yes, my friend (who is their cousin) has told me that there might be a sort of reciprocity (or, at least, they seem to attend events if they know I might be there), it's still a little hard for me to know with absolute certainty it'll end merrily.

Still, I suppose that's the risk of life.

There is no certainty. No control over the will of others.

The act of being vulnerable sets one up to being hurt.

To failing.

To being unmasked as the impostor one is.

But it's only by embracing that very thing, and putting oneself out of their comfort zone, that we can grow. I don't know what the future will bring but I have told myself that after my mother comes back from overseas and I'm no longer stressed about caring for my elderly grandmother, I should, at least, try for the possibility of happiness. Whether that be a new career path or even finding myself a possible life partner.

For now, I'll have to settle for proving to myself how much of an asset I can be to my new team. And if I struggle a little bit, that's good. Because it means I've finally come up against a challenge. Something I've been looking for since my previous role has led to a lot of stagnation in what I actually want to achieve (not that I have a lot of ambitions when it came to the work place - please, can a publisher just reach out and offer me a contract to write books? I swear I can write something people of all ages would enjoy!).

So here's to pretending I know exactly how Microsoft Excel works and looking at endless spreadsheets for the next six months! Huzzah!

[askrobouteguilliman40k]

What is your favourite Excel function, mine is vlookup

Mun knows nothing about excel.

[radiantresume]

Top 20 IF Formulas in Excel – A Complete Guide

Excel’s IF function is the backbone of decision-making formulas, allowing users to automate calculations and streamline data analysis. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced Excel user, knowing how to use the IF function in various combinations is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore the Top 20 IF Formulas that can significantly improve your Excel workflow. From basic comparisons to complex…

[heymrspatel]

HI I'm back let's get into some questions!

Do you have a favourite excel function/formula/magic trick and if yes what is it?

You're producing your own music festival! What's the line-up for the final day and who is headlining?

How do you decide when to stop working on a piece of art? Do you feel when it's done? Do you have to make yourself stop? Do you lose interest? what's the vibe?

💙🐻

howly, will you forgive me for asking for questions and then sitting on them for like 3 weeks? if you hate me, i completely understand 🥺

vlookup is my lord and savior. my best friend. a lot of my job is compiling sets of raw data and making a report/chart/graph from the clean data. vlookup helps me bring in only the information that i want and need in order to have the most easy to build report.......... my job is exciting.......

hoooooooo my god! i am predictable. so we're doing alt-r&b. we're doing kevin abstract, omar apollo, sza, dominic fike, daniel caesar, jhene aiko, jean dawson, dijon, HER... you know? you feel me? headliner of all time is frank ocean. let me dream!!!

this is a really good question! i think it's just a feeling of it being done. because the majority of the time i veer off from the original plan, so the little mental checklist of what i need to do changes. there have been times where i've made myself stop, or decrease the amount of stuff i want to add in (the spicy collab piece comes to mind). so it's the vibe, the feeling. looking at it and feeling it complete. 🥰

thank you for sending, sweet howl! i'm hugging you from aaaaaaaaall the way over here! 🥰💙✨

[femmedionysus]

this may only be funny to me but I have never seen a grown adult look so so scared as the non-accounting guy being told “yeah I’ll send over the spreadsheet template so you can just fill it out with your report info”

[ID: the xkcd average familiarity comic, showing one stick person with a ponytail talking to another stick person. the text has been edited so the conversation reads:

person one: “microsoft excel is second nature to us accountants, so it’s easy to forget that the average person probably only knows conditional formatting and one or two statistical functions.”

person two: “and vlookup, of course.”

person one: “of course.”

the caption below the comic reads “even when they’re trying to compensate for it, experts in anything wildly overestimate the average person’s familiarity with their field.” /end ID]

[graysongarelick]

Elevate Client Services with Excel: Expert Tips for Financial Consultants by Grayson Garelick

Financial consultants operate in a dynamic environment where precision, efficiency, and client satisfaction are paramount. Excel, as a versatile tool, offers an array of features that can significantly enhance the services provided by financial consultants. Grayson Garelick, an accomplished financial analyst and consultant, shares invaluable Excel tips to help financial consultants elevate their client services and add tangible value.

The Role of Excel in Financial Consulting

Excel serves as the backbone of financial consulting, enabling consultants to analyze data, create models, and generate insights that drive informed decision-making. As the demands of clients become increasingly complex, mastering Excel becomes essential for financial consultants aiming to deliver exceptional services.

1. Customize Excel Templates

One of the most effective ways to streamline workflows and improve efficiency is by creating customized Excel templates tailored to specific client needs. Grayson suggests developing templates for budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting that can be easily adapted for different clients, saving time and ensuring consistency.

2. Utilize PivotTables for Data Analysis

PivotTables are powerful tools in Excel that allow financial consultants to analyze large datasets and extract meaningful insights quickly. Grayson emphasizes the importance of mastering PivotTables for segmenting data, identifying trends, and presenting information in a clear and concise manner to clients.

3. Implement Conditional Formatting

Conditional formatting is a valuable feature in Excel that allows consultants to highlight important information and identify outliers effortlessly. By setting up conditional formatting rules, consultants can draw attention to key metrics, discrepancies, or trends, facilitating easier interpretation of data by clients.

4. Leverage Excel Add-ins

Excel offers a variety of add-ins that extend its functionality and provide additional features tailored to financial analysis and reporting. Grayson recommends exploring add-ins such as Power Query, Power Pivot, and Solver to enhance data manipulation, modeling, and optimization capabilities.

5. Automate Repetitive Tasks with Macros

Macros enable financial consultants to automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows, saving valuable time and reducing the risk of errors. Grayson advises recording and editing macros to automate tasks such as data entry, formatting, and report generation, allowing consultants to focus on value-added activities.

6. Master Advanced Formulas and Functions

Excel's extensive library of formulas and functions offers endless possibilities for financial analysis and modeling. Grayson suggests mastering advanced formulas such as VLOOKUP, INDEX-MATCH, and array formulas to perform complex calculations, manipulate data, and create sophisticated models tailored to client needs.

7. Visualize Data with Charts and Graphs

Visualizing data is essential for conveying complex information in an easily digestible format. Excel offers a variety of chart types and customization options that enable consultants to create compelling visuals that resonate with clients. Grayson recommends experimenting with different chart styles to find the most effective way to present data and insights.

8. Collaborate and Share Workbooks Online

Excel's collaboration features enable financial consultants to work seamlessly with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders in real-time. Grayson highlights the benefits of sharing workbooks via OneDrive or SharePoint, allowing multiple users to collaborate on the same document, track changes, and maintain version control.

9. Protect Sensitive Data with Security Features

Data security is a top priority for financial consultants handling sensitive client information. Excel's built-in security features, such as password protection and encryption, help safeguard confidential data and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Grayson advises implementing security protocols to protect client data and maintain trust.

10. Stay Updated with Excel Training and Certification

Excel is a constantly evolving tool, with new features and updates released regularly. Grayson stresses the importance of staying updated with the latest Excel training and certification programs to enhance skills, explore new capabilities, and maintain proficiency in Excel's ever-changing landscape.

Elevating Client Services with Excel Mastery

Excel serves as a catalyst for innovation and excellence in financial consulting, empowering consultants to deliver exceptional services that add tangible value to clients. By implementing Grayson Garelick Excel tips, financial consultants can streamline workflows, enhance data analysis capabilities, and foster collaboration, ultimately driving client satisfaction and success. As financial consulting continues to evolve, mastering Excel remains a cornerstone of excellence, enabling consultants to thrive in a competitive landscape and exceed client expectations.

[taksez]

I love making them too. But, for the record, I HATE Excel. Lotus 123 was So Much Better! You could do if/and/or functions in it. If that's available on Excel, I never found it.

Oh the satisfaction when a vlookup function actually worked! Sigh!

i love making spreadsheets. the only problem with making spreadsheets is that i don't have enough things to turn into spreadsheets. the spreadsheet market is in shambles. but i can't just ask people if i'm allowed to make them spreadsheets, because if you go up to someone and go can i make you a spreadsheet they go literally why would you do that. but Sometimes you can social engineer your way into making a spreadsheet for someone and that's the most beautiful feeling in the world.