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VLOOKUP is a useful function in Excel that allows users to search for a specific value in a table and return a corresponding value from another column. In order to use VLOOKUP to return multiple columns, the function must be nested within the INDEX and MATCH functions. This will allow users to specify the columns they want to retrieve data from, and the search criteria. By using this method, users can efficiently retrieve multiple columns of data in one formula, saving time and effort. With the ability to return multiple columns, VLOOKUP becomes a versatile tool for data analysis and organization in Excel.
Excel: Use VLOOKUP to Return Multiple Columns
You can use the following syntax with the VLOOKUP function in Excel to look up a value in a range and return the corresponding values from multiple columns:
=VLOOKUP(G2,A2:E11,{3,4,5},FALSE)
This particular formula looks in the range A2:E11 and returns the corresponding values in columns 3, 4, and 5 where the value in column A is equal to G2.
Note: The FALSE argument tells Excel to look for exact matches instead of approximate matches.
The following example shows how to use this syntax in practice.
Example: Use VLOOKUP to Return Multiple Columns
Suppose we have the following dataset in Excel that shows information about various basketball teams:
We can use the following formula with VLOOKUP to look up the team “Pacers” in column A and return the corresponding values for points, assists, and steals:
=VLOOKUP(G2,A2:E11,{3,4,5},FALSE)
Note: After typing this formula, make sure you press Ctrl+ Shift + Enter.
The following screenshot shows how to use this formula in practice:
The VLOOKUP function returns the values in the points, assists, and steals columns for the row where the team contains “Pacers” in the name.
Note: You can find the complete documentation for the VLOOKUP function .
Additional Resources
Cite this article
stats writer (2024). How can I use VLOOKUP to return multiple columns in Excel?. PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. Retrieved from https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-can-i-use-vlookup-to-return-multiple-columns-in-excel/
stats writer. "How can I use VLOOKUP to return multiple columns in Excel?." PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, 30 Jun. 2024, https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-can-i-use-vlookup-to-return-multiple-columns-in-excel/.
stats writer. "How can I use VLOOKUP to return multiple columns in Excel?." PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, 2024. https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-can-i-use-vlookup-to-return-multiple-columns-in-excel/.
stats writer (2024) 'How can I use VLOOKUP to return multiple columns in Excel?', PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. Available at: https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-can-i-use-vlookup-to-return-multiple-columns-in-excel/.
[1] stats writer, "How can I use VLOOKUP to return multiple columns in Excel?," PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, vol. X, no. Y, ص Z-Z, June, 2024.
stats writer. How can I use VLOOKUP to return multiple columns in Excel?. PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. 2024;vol(issue):pages.