VLOOKUP (Vertical Lookup) is one of the most powerful and commonly used functions in Excel. It allows you to search for a specific value in one column and return a corresponding value from another column.-Whether you’re managing data, creating reports, or analyzing financial information, mastering VLOOKUP can save you hours of manual work. VLOOKUP Formula in excel with example. In this guide, we’ll explore the VLOOKUP formula in Excel with practical examples to help you master this essential function
Why Learn VLOOKUP? What is the VLOOKUP Formula in Excel?
- Time-Saving: Automate repetitive tasks like searching for data.
- Versatile: Use it for financial reports, inventory management, customer data, and more.
- Foundational Skill: VLOOKUP is a stepping stone to mastering advanced Excel functions like INDEX MATCH and XLOOKUP. Common Use Cases for VLOOKUP
- Finding a product price using a product code
- Retrieving a customer name from an order number
- Automating financial reports and dashboards
- Merging data from multiple sheets Download Free Excel File
How Does VLOOKUP Work?
1. VLOOKUP Syntax =VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup]) Parameters Explained:
TRUE (1) → Approximate match (Used for sorted data).
lookup_value: The value you want to find (e.g., product ID).
table_array: The range of cells where the lookup occurs.
col_index_num: The column number from which to return the value.
range_lookup (optional):
FALSE (0) → Exact match (Recommended ). TRUE (1) → Approximate match (Used for sorted data).
VLOOKUP Examples:
Example 1: Finding a Product Price by ID In this VLOOKUP formula Excel example, we’ll look up the price of a product based on its ID
VLOOKUP Formula Excel Example – Master It with Practical Tips and Fix Errors Instantly
| Product ID | Name | Price (€) |
|---|---|---|
| 101 | Apple | 1.50 |
| 102 | Banana | 2.00 |
| 103 | Orange | 2.50 |
Formula to find the price of product ID 102:
=VLOOKUP(102, A2:C4, 3, FALSE)
Result: 2.00 (Banana price).
Download for free an Excel file containing a simple and clear example with detailed explanations on how to use the VLOOKUP function Download Our Free Excel VLOOKUP Guide
Common VLOOKUP Errors and How to Fix Them
- #N/A Error: This error occurs when VLOOKUP cannot find the lookup value in the table. To fix it:
- Ensure the lookup_value exists in the first column of the table_array.
- Check for typos or incorrect data types.
- #REF! Error: This happens when the col_index_num is out of range. Make sure the column index is within the bounds of your table array.
- #VALUE! Error: This usually occurs when there is an incorrect argument in the formula. Double-check the syntax.
- To avoid errors, make sure your VLOOKUP formula Excel example is set up correctly
Advanced Tips:
- Using VLOOKUP with Wildcards: Use the wildcard character
*(for any number of characters) or?(for a single character) to search for partial matches in text data.- Example:
=VLOOKUP("John*", A2:B10, 2, FALSE)would return the result for any name starting with « John ».
- Example:
- Nested VLOOKUP for Multiple Criteria: You can use multiple VLOOKUP functions to search for multiple criteria.
- Example:
=VLOOKUP(A2 & B2, A2:D10, 4, FALSE)combines two values (e.g., product ID and customer ID) to get a result. - Learn more about advanced Excel functions at Microsoft’s official Excel support page.
- Example:
