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The Excel VLOOKUP function is a powerful tool that allows users to easily find and retrieve data from a large table or database. This function can be used by entering specific criteria, such as a value or label, and returning the corresponding information from a designated column. It is particularly useful for organizing and analyzing large sets of data, as it eliminates the need for manual searching and sorting. Additionally, the VLOOKUP function can be combined with other Excel functions to perform more complex calculations and data manipulation. Overall, the Excel VLOOKUP function is a valuable tool for efficiently managing and accessing data within a spreadsheet.
Excel VLOOKUP Function
VLOOKUP Function
The VLOOKUP function is a premade function in Excel, which
allows searches across columns.
It is typed =VLOOKUP and has the following parts:
=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array,
col_index_num, [range_lookup])Note: The column which holds the data used to lookup must always be to the left.
Note: The different parts of the function are separated by a symbol, like comma , or semicolon ;
The symbol depends on your Language Settings.
Lookup_value: Select the cell where search values will be entered.
Table_array: The table range, including all cells in the table.
Col_index_num: The data which is being looked up. The input
is the number of the column, counted from the left:
Range_lookup: TRUE if numbers (1) or FALSE if text (0).
Note: Both 1 / 0 and True / False can be used in Range_lookup.
How to use the VLOOKUP function.
- Select a cell (
H4) - Type
=VLOOKUP - Double click the VLOOKUP command
- Select the cell where search value will be entered (
H3) - Type (
,) - Mark table range (
A2:E21) - Type (
,) - Type the number of the column, counted from the left (
2) - Type True (1) or False (0) (
1) - Hit enter
- Enter a value in the cell selected for the Lookup_value
H3(7)
Let’s have a look at an example!
Use the VLOOKUP function to find the Pokemon names based on their ID#:
H4 is where the search result is displayed. In this case, the Pokemons names based on their ID#.
H3 selected as lookup_value. This is the cell where the search query is entered. In this case the Pokemons ID#.
The range of the table is marked at table_array, in this example A2:E21.
The number 2 is entered as col_index_number. This is the second column from the left and is the data that is being looked up.
An illustration for selecting col_index_number2.
Ok, so next – 1(True) is entered as range_lookup. This is because the most left column has numbers only. If it was text,
0
Good job! The function returns the #N/A value. This is because there have not been entered any value to the Search ID# H3.
Let us feed a value to it, type H3(7):
Have a look at that! The VLOOKUP function has successfully found the Pokemon Squirtle which has the ID# 7.
One more time, type (H3)4:
It still works! The function returned Charmanders name, which has 4 as its ID#. That’s great.
Cite this article
stats writer (2024). How can I use the Excel VLOOKUP function?. PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. Retrieved from https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-can-i-use-the-excel-vlookup-function/
stats writer. "How can I use the Excel VLOOKUP function?." PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, 29 Jun. 2024, https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-can-i-use-the-excel-vlookup-function/.
stats writer. "How can I use the Excel VLOOKUP function?." PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, 2024. https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-can-i-use-the-excel-vlookup-function/.
stats writer (2024) 'How can I use the Excel VLOOKUP function?', PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. Available at: https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-can-i-use-the-excel-vlookup-function/.
[1] stats writer, "How can I use the Excel VLOOKUP function?," PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, vol. X, no. Y, ص Z-Z, June, 2024.
stats writer. How can I use the Excel VLOOKUP function?. PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. 2024;vol(issue):pages.