The VLOOKUP function is one of the most essential functions in Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. It allows you to quickly and easily look up data in a table using a unique identifier (known as a key).<\/p>\n
This guide will teach you how to use the VLOOKUP function in both Excel and Google Sheets so that you can get the most out of your data.<\/p>\n
So, let’s get started…<\/p>\n
The syntax for the VLOOKUP function in Excel & Google Sheets is as follows:<\/p>\n
=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup])<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Let’s break down each part of this formula so that you can understand how it works.<\/p>\n
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- Lookup Value:<\/strong> This is the value that you want to look up. It can be a number, text, or even a cell reference.<\/li>\n
- Table Array:<\/strong> This is the range of cells that contains the data that you want to look up.<\/li>\n
- Col Index Num:<\/strong> This column number within the table array contains the data you want to return.<\/li>\n
- Range Lookup:<\/strong> This is an optional argument that specifies whether you want an exact or approximate match. If this argument is omitted, it defaults to TRUE (approximate match).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Now let’s put this formula into practice with an example.<\/p>\n
Suppose you have a table of data in cells A1:C5, as shown below. You want to lookup the value \u201capple\u201d in column A and return the corresponding value in column C. In other words, you want to lookup and return the value \u201c green\u201d.<\/p>\n
To do this, you can use the following formula:
=VLOOKUP(\u201capple\u201d,A1:C5,3,FALSE)<\/code><\/p>\nThis formula will lookup the value \u201capple\u201d in column A and return the corresponding value in column C, which is \u201cgreen\u201d.<\/p>\n
Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n
The VLOOKUP function is a powerful tool that can save you a lot of time when working with data in Excel or Sheets. And if you correctly use this function, you’ll be able to quickly and easily lookup data in a table using a unique identifier.<\/p>\n
I hope this guide has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.<\/p>\n
Thanks for reading!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\n