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Excel VLOOKUP Formulas Explained

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The Excel VLOOKUP formula is my favourite! Perhaps because it was one of the first formulas I mastered. It gave me an insight into the power of Excel and how it could help me in my job.

Interestingly, there are two ways you can use the VLOOKUP function; exact match and approximate match. However, I find that most people know one way or the other, and only a few know both.

Note: if you have Microsoft 365 you should use the XLOOKUP function, which can do everything VLOOKUP can do and more. Plus, it's not susceptible to the same errors VLOOKUP is.

Excel VLOOKUP Formula Video Tutorial

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Excel VLOOKUP Formula Written Example

Using the example data below, I want to lookup the commission rate in column I of the table that's in columns H:J, for the salesperson listed in column C, and put the result in column E.

Excel Vlookup Formula table

Excel VLOOKUP Function Syntax

Before we get started, let's understand the VLOOKUP function's syntax.

=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num ,range_lookup)

And to translate it into English it would read:

=VLOOKUP(find this value, in that table, return the value in the nth column of the table, but only return a result if you can match the value exactly*)

* for an exact match you must specify FALSE or 0 in the last argument of the VLOOKUP formula.

Let’s make it even clearer by applying it to our example:

=VLOOKUP(find the name Doug from cell C17, in the Commission Rates table H17:J24, return the value in column 2 of the table,  but only return a value if you find the exact name "Doug" in the Commission Rates table, otherwise give me an error)

calculate commission with Excel VLOOKUP Formula

Rules, Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting!

  1. ‘Return the value in column 2 of the table’ is referring to the column number in the table H17:J24, not the column number of the spreadsheet. The information we want returned is the percentage rate, and it is in the second column of the Commission Rates table.
    2.  
  2. ‘Only return a result if you can match the value exactly’ is telling Excel that we only want information returned if it matches our criteria exactly. i.e. Find Doug in our Commission Rates Table, and if you can’t find Doug, give me an error. The error displayed will be #N/A.
    3.  
  3. VLOOKUP formulas read from left to right. You must have the information you are looking up (in our example the salesperson's name), in the first column of the lookup_array range.
    4.  
  4. Lookup Table Location: The ‘Table’ you are looking up can be in the same spreadsheet. Or a different sheet in the same workbook. Or in a different workbook altogether.
    5.  
  5. Sort Order: The table doesn’t have to be sorted in any particular order when using the Exact Match version of the formula, but you must not have duplicates. Unless the information on each duplicate is exactly the same.  For example, if Doug appeared twice in our Commission Rates table with different percentage rates for each instance, VLOOKUP would return the rate on the first instance of Doug.
    6.  
  6. VLOOKUP isn't case sensitive, so 'Doug' could be 'doug' or 'DOUG' or 'Doug', in either column C or the Commission Rates table.
    7.  

  7. When VLOOKUP formulas return #N/A errors it means Excel can't find the value you're trying to look up in your table. If you get this, but you can ‘plain as day’ see it's there in the table, then it’s likely you’ve got one of the values prefixed with an apostrophe. To check this go to each cell you're referencing and look in the formula bar and see if there is an apostrophe in either cell.  You can only see the apostrophe from the formula bar. See example below.

    Text formatting in formula bar

    Text Formats: Excel reads text prefixed with an apostrophe different to text without. Even though on the face of the spreadsheet they might look the same. You need to make sure both the value you're looking up, and the value in the table either both have the apostrophe, or both don't. The quickest way to get rid of the apostrophes is to do ‘Text to Columns’. Or run it through the VALUE function, which converts numbers formatted as text to actual numbers.
    8.  
  8. Leading or Trailing spaces are another cause of VLOOKUP errors. Edit the cells to check if there are extra spaces before or after the lookup value, or the data in the first column of the lookup_array. Use the TRIM function to easily clean leading and trailing spaces.
    9.  
  9. Dynamic Column References: Use COLUMNS or the MATCH function to dynamically find the col_index_num argument for VLOOKUP. See the video above for step by step instructions.

Excel VLOOKUP Approximate Match Formula

Now you've mastered the VLOOKUP exact match formula, you're ready to learn VLOOKUP approximate match. This technique is lesser known and many people make the mistake of using a nested IF formula instead of this simple approach.

vlookup formula

Microsoft MVP logo

AUTHOR Mynda Treacy Co-Founder / Owner at My Online Training Hub

CIMA qualified Accountant with over 25 years experience in roles such as Global IT Financial Controller for investment banking firms Barclays Capital and NatWest Markets.

Mynda has been awarded Microsoft MVP status every year since 2014 for her expertise and contributions to educating people about Microsoft Excel.

Mynda teaches several courses here at MOTH including Excel Expert, Excel Dashboards, Power BI, Power Query and Power Pivot.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. David Sanchez Portales

    Sometimes I write one formula and this not give me back de solution value. Only show de formula instead of the solucion of the operation.

    I do not know why.

    Reply

    • Mynda Treacy

      It’ll be because the cell is formatted to Text before you enter the formula. Sometimes cells will automatically copy down formatting from the cell above.

      Reply

  2. MIRACLE

    Good morning from Nigeria i will like the pdf explanation on on all the lookups i will be glad if my request is granted thanks God Bless.

    Reply

  3. Sudha

    INDEX where in the row MATCH Sheet1 D7(date) in Sheet2 E:E and match Sheet1 F1 in any one cell Sheet2 B2 to U2 (sheet 1 F$1 equal to all the cells in Sheet2 from B2 to U2-any code number), and match Sheet1 G$1(text) in only one cell in Sheet 2 B4 To U4. next Sheet1 D8 for entire column

    Reply

  4. Ruby

    How do i use vlookup formula to below
    Agent ID Remaining Leaves Bonus
    2345 6 2000
    5457 4 3000
    9823 7 4000
    1233 2 3000
    2344 8 5000

    You’ve been asked to come up with a way to check the bonus of the agent when the Agent ID is typed into a given cell

    Agent ID 2344
    Bonus

    Reply

  5. A Kaur

    I am trying to use this =VLOOKUP($A4,Data2!$A:$AC,H$1,FALSE) to pull forecast for multiple months from data file but this does seems to be working, could you please walk me through to use this formula appropriately ?

    Reply

    • Mynda Treacy

      There’s nothing obvious wrong with your formula, so it must be an issue with the data in the cells being referenced. You can post your question on our Excel forum where you can also upload a sample file and we can help you further

      Reply

  6. Gabriel J Zanche

    How do I set up a formula for removing a list of names in sheet 1 from a larger list of names in list 2 and thus, have fewer names in list 2 with none of the names as per list 1?

    Reply

  7. Lauren

    After struggling with VLOOKUPS for days, this has been the clearest explanation I’ve seen of how they work. After reading this guide (especially the part where you applied it to your example), I was able to do my VLOOKUPS in no time. Thank you!

    Reply

  10. Harriman

    Please help me understand each of the arguments in this lookup formula:

    =LOOKUP(1,1/($A$5:$I$5″”),$A$5:$I$5)

    What does the “/” character do?
    Changing the number in the first argument doesn’t seem to effect the result. Why?

    I can utilize the formula but would like to understand it.

    Reply

    • Philip Treacy

      Hi,

      That is not a valid formula. Please see LOOKUP Function

      The set of double quotes should not be there and you are using the same range for the lookup vector and the result vector. Something like this would work

      =LOOKUP(1,1/($A$5:$I$5),$A$6:$I$6)

      Where

      A5:I5 is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

      and

      A6:I6 is a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i

      The input vector is therefore 1/$A$5:$I$5 i.e. 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/5 etc

      Changing the first argument (the lookup value) can affect the result but it will depend on what your input vector and result vector values are. If the first argument is not found, the result is the smallest value nearest the lookup value. Unless the lookup value is smaller than the smallest value in the lookup vector, in which case you’ll get an error.

      Regards

      Phil

      Reply

      • Harriman

        Phil, Thank you for your prompt reply. There was a typo in the formula I presented.
        The goal was to lookup the last non-blank entry in a designated range and then return the corresponding entry in a second designated range.

        My corrected formula should read:

        =LOOKUP(1,1/(A8:I8<>""),A14:I14) This worked for me but I wanted to understand the arguments.

        It seems to count over to the last non-blank entry in row 8 and then returns the corresponding entry in the (same column) second designated range. (in this formula (A14:I14). If the “” expression is omitted, the result vector is offset by – I wish to understand exactly what each argument does – specifically, the first and second arguments and the “/” character and how to offset the result vector.

        Your assistance is much appreciated.

        Reply

        • Philip Treacy

          Hi Harriman,

          To check for the last non-blank entry you need to use 2 as your lookup value i.e.

          =LOOKUP(2,1/(A8:I8<>""),A14:I14)

          Let’s say A8:I8 contains a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i

          and A14:I14 contains 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

          (A8:I8<>"") gives an input vector of True or False values depending on whether or not the cell contains a value or to be more specific does not contain a null string.

          You get {True, True, True, True, True, True, True, True, True}

          If A8:I8 contained a, b, c, , e, f, g, h,

          then your input vector is {True, True, True, False, True, True, True, True, False}

          Dividing 1 by this vector

          1/{True, True, True, False, True, True, True, True, False}

          gives you

          {1, 1, 1, 0, 1, 1, 1, 1, 0}

          Actually 1/False gives a #DIV/0 error but let’s call it 0 as it works the same way here.

          The way LOOKUP works is to return the lookup value or if that is not found, it returns the nearest smaller value.

          By using 2 as the lookup value, LOOKUP works through the lookup vector for 2 but can’t find it, so it returns the position of the last 1, which in ths example is position 8.

          So you get 8 returned from the result vector.

          If you need more help please start a forum topic so I can send you a workbook with an example of this.

          Regards

          Phil

          Reply

  13. Bogdan

    Hello , i shoud do an invoice and i must use vlookup formula and i dont know how to do exactly…i must multiply 10*(0.01*2) can you help me please?

    Reply

    • Mynda Treacy

      Hi Bogdan,

      I’m not sure why you need a VLOOKUP to multiply numbers ?

      Can you please start a topic on the forum and supply your workbook so we can better understand what you need.

      Regards

      Phil

      Reply

  14. ramki

    Hi Myrnda,

    I have an excel file with two sheets in two tables.
    Table 1 – having a cost center and cost spread across 12 columns.
    Table 2 – Having the same cost centers and would like to use the vlookup formula to populate the data from Table 1 without having to change the column reference for each of the 12 columns.

    I did try the formula in the article but it does not work and I get an error message.
    Is there a different formula is using this formula for more than one sheet or am I making a mistake?

    Your help would be much appreciated.

    Regards, Ramki

    Reply

    • Mynda Treacy

      Hi Ramki,

      You can use the COLUMN Function to dynamically update the column number argument in VLOOKUP like so:

      =VLOOKUP(lookup_value,table_array, COLUMN(B1),FALSE)

      Assuming the first column you want returned form the table_array is 2.

      If that doesn’t help, or if you still have questions please post your question and sample Excel file on our forum where we can give you a specific answer.

      Mynda

      Reply

  20. Christina

    My vlookup will not copy correctly. I have the calculations function set to automatic. I have all the references except the column number as absolute but it stilll produces the exact same answer instead of moving across a formula. Any suggestions why?

    Reply

    • Mynda Treacy

      Hi Christina,

      Hard to tell without seeing the formula and workbook. Can you please post your question and Excel file on our forum where we can help you further.

      Mynda

      Reply

  24. Julie

    I absolutely love your videos and how you clarify steps and what the formulas mean and what they are extracting. I have watched MANY training videos and yours are the best! THANK YOU!

    Reply

  26. anilkumarpadey

    Hi Sir ji Please help me
    if one row lots of code 41 or 37 etc and next row lots of grade A1, A2, B1 i want to know how many code 41 get A1 or how many 37 code A1 what formula used. show below chart what formula use it.
    SUB MRK GRD SUB
    41 88 A2 42
    37 99 A1 42
    41 78 B1 42
    37 94 A1 42
    41 64 B2 42
    41 59 C1 42
    41 79 B1 42
    41 33 D2 42
    41 95 A1 42
    42 65 B2 43
    Advance Thanks

    Reply

    • Catalin Bombea

      Have you tried the formula you already have?
      =SUMPRODUCT(($A$2:$A$12=37)*($C$2:$C$12=”A1“))
      =SUMPRODUCT(($A$2:$A$12=41)*($C$2:$C$12=”A1“))
      Catalin

      Reply

  27. Emmanuel

    Thanks a lot for the ebook Tips & Tricks. Unfortunately, it’s not as what I wanted. I am looking for help to do with lookup database pictures. The result from vlookup data from the table as the result should be picture as wanted. Although, I have some examples from the internet but Sorry I’m not satisfied with them. I hope might be you would help me, please. Thanks a lot.

    Reply

    • Catalin Bombea

      Hi Emmanuel,
      Can you please provide a sample file and detailed descriptions for what you are trying to achieve? You can use our Help Desk System to upload the file, please create a new ticket.
      Cheers,
      Catalin

      Reply

  28. kamalnath

    Hi.. Pl help me identifying the 1st , 2nd and 3rd max values from an array…

    ex:
    Array
    Project Version
    A 13
    A 3
    A 4
    A 2
    A 5
    A 8
    A 18
    A 11
    A 7
    A 23
    A 24
    A 6
    A 12
    A 1
    A 9
    B 5
    B 2
    B 3
    B 1
    B 6
    B 4

    I want the 1st , 2nd and 3rd max values of project ‘A’ in the cells z1, z2, & z3, likewise for project ‘B’ in y1, y2 & y3…

    Pl help…

    thx
    Kamal

    Reply

    • Catalin Bombea

      Hi Kamal,
      You can use this formula in Z1, and copy it down to Z3:
      =LARGE(IF($A$1:$A$21=”A”,$B$1:$B$21,0),ROW(A1)) entered with Ctrl+Shift+Enter (it’s an array formula)
      For largest B projects: use this formula in Y1, copied to Y3:
      =LARGE(IF($A$1:$A$21=”B”,$B$1:$B$21,””),ROW(A1)) entered with Ctrl+Shift+Enter (it’s an array formula)
      Cheers,
      Catalin

      Reply

      • kamalnath

        Hi Catalin… It works for me… Thanks very much… Just now I m hearing about array formula.. if you have notes on that, pl share…

        Now I have another request… its continuation of my earlier request…

        Project sub-proj Version
        A qwe 13
        A rty 3
        A uio 4
        A plk 2
        A jhg 5
        A fds 8
        A azx 18
        A cvb 11
        A nml 7
        A kjh 23
        A gfd 24
        A saq 6
        A wer 12
        A tyu 1
        A iop 9
        B mnb 5
        B vcx 2
        B zas 3
        B dfg 1
        B hjk 6
        B lop 4

        I want the sub-proj name of 1st , 2nd and 3rd max values of project ‘A’ in the cells z1, z2, & z3, likewise for project ‘B’ in y1, y2 & y3…

        pl help…

        Thx
        Kamal

        Reply

        • Catalin Bombea

          Hi Kamal,
          Please describe from the beginning the entire problem, because any little detail can change the approach, and the solution may be totally different.
          Try this file from our OneDrive folder. The solution works fine if you do not have duplicates, at least for the highest 3 numbers.
          Cheers,
          Catalin

          Reply

  29. kumar

    Madam, I find the tuitorial guide very helpful. Would you please explain to me how we proceed with VLOOKUP using multiples sheet.

    Thanking you

    Kumar

    Reply

  32. Mel

    Hi Mynda, I am trying to do some analysis on a s/s. I have a worksheet which has data arranged in columns, such as instance, location, months. I have another s/s with new data for the current month. I am trying to compare data from the current month to the existing s/s and if data (instance and locations) match, then add this new data as a new column to the existing s/s. The instances column should have unique data, but if there are data in the new or existing s/s that do not match, then append them at the bottom of the existing s/s. What formula should I use? Thanks for your help.

    Reply

    • Mynda Treacy

      Hi Mel,

      I hate to say this but I think your approach isn’t ideal. There is no easy way to do what you describe using formulas… or any other Excel tool.

      Perhaps if you can send me your workbook I can better understand what you’re trying to do and give you some advice on how to acheive the same end result with some changes to your process.

      You can send your file and description of what you want and where via our help desk – anything you send is kept confidential.

      In the meantime you might find this tutorial on Tabular Data helpful.

      Kind regards,

      Mynda

      Reply

  35. murtaza begi

    hi can you please sent me a emaill and explean the why we use the VLOOKUP AND ALSO EXPLAN AS WELL THANKS A LOT PLEASE

    Reply

    • Catalin Bombea

      Hi,
      VLOOKUP is an Excel Function that is used within tables to help filter through large volumes of data and
      select the appropriate data based on given conditions. The VLOOKUP formula would automatically look through the list of your Objects and pick out
      the corresponding data.

      The function is very well described in this tutorial , please take your time to understand the explanations, you can also download an example workbook, the link for download is at the end of the tutorial.
      Catalin

      Reply

  38. sim

    by v look up the answer comes only up in the function arguments but in the cell only coming up v look up (example) but not the answer

    Reply

  39. bns

    Sir,
    In my Laptop Excel sheet’s are viewing as for Rows 1,2,3,… are making visible and for coloums 1,2,3….. are visibling insted of A,B,C… how to chage it?

    Reply

    • Mynda Treacy

      Hi BNS,

      You’ve got R1C1 reference style turned on. To turn it off you need to access the Options (Office button for 2007 or File tab for 2010) > Formulas category > uncheck ‘R1C1 reference style’.

      Kind regards,

      Mynda.

      Reply

  40. Charles Taylor

    Can solve this puzzle from a spread sheet from 1996 deals with gas processing Question on VLOOKUP Function This is part of a spread sheet
    Amine Treater
    Amine type (MEA, DEA, MDEA) DEA Typical Amine solution properties are shown below:

    Many cells left out

    Amine Properties Lookup Table
    Amine Wt% Loading SG @ 120F Mole Wt BTU/Gal
    MEA 15 0.33 0.99 61.08 1200
    DGA 50 0.35 1.058 105.14 1300
    DEA 30 0.35 1.02 105.14 1100
    MDEA 50 0.35 1.03 119.16 1000

    Intermediate Calculation Results
    CO2 and H2S to be removed 60.84 lb-moles/hr
    Solution specific gravity 1.04 VLOOKUP(UPPER($C$27),PROP,4,FALSE)
    Amine molecular weight 105.14 =VLOOKUP(UPPER($C$27),PROP,5,FALSE) Do you know how cell DEA($C$27) at the top of the sheet is referenced to the two cells for Specific Gravity 1.04 & Molecular Weight 105.14 is nested or referenced?
    Can’t find the chart UPPER on the spread sheet. PROP is Amine Look Up Table, immediately above the text.
    Could send he spread sheet to you.
    Regards….

    Reply

  42. David T

    Great!

    I got a format from a resigned employee, but I don’t understand “,IF({1,0},…”, I cannot find information why there is {1,0} in the IF.

    =VLOOKUP(B2&E2,IF({1,0},’PT New Sales’!$C$2:$C$200&’PT New Sales’!$F$2:$F$200,’PT New Sales’!$G$2:$G$200),2,FALSE)

    Please help, Thanks

    Reply

    • Mynda Treacy

      Hi David T,

      In the IF({1,0} the 1 = TRUE and the 0 = FALSE.

      The formula is testing to see if the value in B2 is in the range C2:C200, and if the value in E2 is in the range F2:F200, if both match return the value in column G.

      It’s an interesting formula. I have not seen it done this way before. I hope that helps.

      Kind regards,

      Mynda.

      P.S. I have to thank Roberto Mensa for helping me clarify what this formula is doing 🙂

      Reply

  43. Barb Laing

    You bring clarity to Excel. I am not just applying a formula, now I know what each component parts mean.

    Thank you

    Barb

    Reply

  45. yash

    It is very useful,thanks for that,but i want to ask,if Commissioning rates(As per example) is another excel sheet,so can we use vlookup,I tried but is showing error?

    Reply

  46. Penelope

    Firstly thanks for an awesome site. I have intermediate excel skills, but you’re explanations have made learning new formulas really easy!

    In relation to VLOOKUP – I’m using it in a training register to confirm who has completed which training on what date. The column with the formula is formatted for dates as dd/mm/yyyy. Some people haven’t completed the training yet, and rather than leaving the cell blank it gives the result 0/01/1900. This is the formula as I’ve put it in the sheet =VLOOKUP($A5,Induction!$A:$C,3,FALSE). Is there any thing I can do to make it leave the cell blank if the reference is blank or perhaps a different formula I could use

    Reply

  47. Pero Peric

    Dear,
    I need a help with Excel formula, probably it’s easy but I can’t get it!
    I have a table of one month and in 2right columns 2 figures, the form is used for account.
    I made a box with Now() and want to make a formula to take data from table for present day. So first have to confirm same date as today from table and then to take data from 2right columns.
    Thank You Very Much in Advance
    Pero

    Reply

    • Carlo Estopia

      Hi Arvind,

      I would say either your browser has changed the file extension of the workbook from .xlsx to something else, or you are using Excel version pre-2007?

      You can try again and make sure the file extension is .xlsx of the saved file.

      If you have Excel 2003 or earlier let us know and we’ll make a pre-2007 version available.

      Cheers.

      CarloE

      Reply

  49. HASSAN KARIM

    hi mynda,
    can u help me in vlookup formula.i think it is scarry for how use this formula in very easy.i have two difrent sheet in two difrent file .tell me how can i handle this…………plzzzzzzzzzzzzz

    Reply

    • Carlo Estopia

      Hi Hassan,

      Here’s an example. I want to lookup Aquino, Greg’s position in Sheet2

      The Formula:

      =VLOOKUP(A1,'[Workbook2.xlsx]Sheet1'!$A$8:$F$10,2,FALSE)

      Data:
      Workbook1:Sheet1

            A                   B
1 Aquino, Greg	[VLOOKUP FORMULA HERE]Pitcher

      Workbook2: Sheet1

      7  Name	         Position	Salary	 Pay Rise 2004 	Pay Rise 2005	Pay Rise 2006
8  Aquino, Greg	 Pitcher	325,000	 29,250 	 28,340 	 22,955 


9  Bruney, Brian Pitcher	322,500	 29,025 	 28,122 	 22,779 
10 Choate, Randy Pitcher	550,000	 49,500 	 47,960 	 38,848

      Read More: VLOOKUP

      Cheers.

      CarloE

      Reply

    • Carlo Estopia

      Hi Manoj,

      It’s a simple formula.
      Data:

        A       B         C   
12000	18000	0.333333333

      Formula:

      =(B1-A1)/B1

      I hope it helps.

      Cheers.

      CarloE

      Reply

  51. Proficient

    Hi Mynda!

    We can use Vlookup either side…

    =VLOOKUP(E2,CHOOSE({1,2},$B$2:$B$13,$A$2:$A$13),2,FALSE)

    =VLOOKUP(CRITERIA,CHOOSE({1,2},CRITERIA RANGE,LOOKUP RANGE),COLUMN NUMBER,FALSE)

    Reply

  53. mohammed adil

    Hi
    I have two tables one with colum name as “login id” and another with “computer name” and same colum in other sheet. i just want to compair login id and copy respective computer name to it. i tryed following funtion
    =VLOOKUP(A2,sheet2!A:b,2,0) result is #N/A

    Reply

    • Carlo Estopia

      Hi Mohammed Adil,

      Your VLookup should look like this:

      =VLOOKUP(A2,Sheet2!A2:B4,2,0)

      Your Table Array part don’t have the row arguments. It must have the numbers in other words i.e. Shee2!A2:B4.

      Read more on VLOOKUP BASICS

      Sincerely,

      CarloE

      Reply

  54. Lynn

    I have used this lookup formula for years with complete confidence.
    =if(vlookup(cell,range,1)=cell,vlookup(cell,range,Column # to be returned),” “). This returns an exact match if found and a blank cell if not.

    But I have run into a problem, my formula is not returning anything on some newly added items in the lookup range. The item are still in sorted order and still in the lookup range. The format of the information is a match. Have you come across this?

    Reply

    • Carlo Estopia

      Hi Lynn,

      Please try to send your file through HELP DESK so we can have a good look at your problem.

      Anyways, my diagnosis is that you did not have absolute references to your table_array part
      of your VLOOKUP.

      For example 

       =IF(VLOOKUP(G5,$C$5:$D$9,1)=G5,VLOOKUP(G5,$C$5:$D$9,1),"")

      You can do this by highlighting the ranges -only i.e. C5:D9- and press F4; or
      You can simply put Dollar($) sign manually.

      Cheers.

      CarloE

      Reply

  55. 6tel

    Hi Mynda. The best for you in 2013… As usual, finding the best answers here… Excellent job, really.

    Mynda, I’m having a trouble. Your explanation was great on the Vlookup formula syntaxis, but I was just wondering if the “col_index_num” requirement would look into rows instead of columns…. How would achieve that? I guess this function isn’t going to work for me, since I need to return a value that’s five rows under the respective “lookup_value” reference, and not to the side…

    Is there an equivalent to this formula, but reading from the top of a table to its bottom?

    =VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num ,range_lookup)

    Reply

  57. SREEDHARA

    NICE WAY OF PRESENTING THAT’S TO EXLPNATION IN ENGLISH I.E –
    And to translate it into English it would read:

    VLOOKUP(find this value, in that table, return the value in column x of the table, but only return a result if you can match the value exactly)
    VERY SUPERB
    TNK U

    Reply

  61. Martin Williamson

    I have a challenging excel vlookup problem I can’t solve and I can relate it to your example.

    In my problem there is an additional column in the table of rates called “effective date”.

    Insert a new column between Column G:H, and add title “Effective Date” Then give all those in your rates table an effective date of 01 Jan 08.

    However, Dave gets a raise on 01 Mar 08 to 6% commission. (Well done Dave!)

    Insert a new entry below Dave’s 01 Jan 08 entry and add:
    01 Mar 08 Dave 6%

    However, with your current formula, it does not find Dave’s new rate for sales after 01 Mar 08.

    I have tried index match formula’s but also to no avail.

    I really, really, hope you’re able to help as this has been bugging me for months.
    Many thanks for your time. Regards, Martin

    Reply

    • Mynda Treacy

      Hi Martin,

      If you know you are looking for the date on 01 Mar 08 you could use SUMIFS:

      =SUMIFS($I$5:$I$6,$G$5:$G$6,"Dave",$H$5:$H$6,"01/03/2008")

      or if you’re using Excel 2003 use SUMPRODUCT:

      =SUMPRODUCT((I5:I6)*(G5:G6="Dave")*(H5:H6=DATEVALUE("01/03/2008")))

      However, if you’re just looking for the last record for Dave (your data would need to be sorted in ascending order) then you can use:

      =VLOOKUP("Dave",$G$5:$I$6,3,TRUE)

      or

      =LOOKUP("Dave",$G$5:$G$6,$I$5:$I$6)

      Where column G contains your names, H your dates and I contains your commission rates.

      Kind regards,

      Mynda.

      Reply

      • Martin Williamson

        Thanks for the prompt reponse and the numerous solutions.

        I’ll try those out and see if I can get them to fit my situation.
        Again, many thanks, your prompt response has been much appreciated. 🙂

        Reply

  62. gshephard

    Finally found a clear explanation in plain english on how to use this function. Wish i had found this site 1 hour ago! Thanks!

    Reply

    • Mynda Treacy

      Hi Prakash,

      When you build your VLOOKUP formula you can use your mouse to select the cells on another worksheet. Excel will automatically put in the cell references for you.

      Kind regards,

      Mynda.

      Reply

  67. Ana da Silva

    Finally. I have found someone that can translate “computer lingo” into English.

    I have been lost in the land of technology, and then……. I have found my little slice of heaven. This website.

    From one bean counter to another. THANK YOU.

    Reply

  68. Lynn Ashworth

    This is excellent. I have been trying to teach myself vlookup today using the Help option and it didn’t help! What a difference it makes to actually see the data and have it so clearly explained. You have de-mystified vlookup for me and I’m now looking forward to getting to work tomorrow to try it out on my spreadsheet! Thank you very much.

    Reply

  69. AV

    Awesome breakdown of the VLOOKUP formula. This saved my day at work. I came here because it seemed intimidating but after seeing the tutorial, I now scoff at its fear-factor, lol. You also have a hot voice. Extra brownie points for you! : )

    Reply

  71. Chris K

    Mynda,
    Is there any way to have a vlookup formula present where if the fields are left blank you can have a return of 0 instead of N/A? I tried including a blank line item in my chart with a 0 value but it still comes back as N/A and is killing my totals.
    I can show you my work so far but it is getting messy!

    Reply

      • Manjinder Mavi

        Hi Mynda,

        Your “plain english” style of explaining things motivated me to learn more.

        Related to Chris K’s query above, VLOOKUP puts a value 0 if the corresponding value cell (column index cell) is empty. It messes up my other calculations. Is there any way to get VLOOKUP with help of other function to return a particular value (say “Empty”) if the cell is empty.

        I understand we can use IFERROR with VLOOKUP the lookup value can’t be found. But I am interested when the lookup value is found but the corresponding column index cell for that lookup value is empty.

        Thanks.

        Best regards,
        Manny

        Reply

  72. Imran

    Dear Mynda,

    I like your videos , especially your style of narrating complex problems in a simple and effective manner.

    Keep up the good work and Allah bless you.

    Regards
    Imran

    Reply

  73. Cheryl Blalock

    I’m currently using vlookup in my work. Now I have an problem to solve. I have two reports that I need to work with. One FY12 customer sales with part numbers. The other FY13July customer sales with part numbers. I want to put the FY13July sales number in a column on the FY12 File and add to each month end so we have a running total. The problem is the look up value is not unique. Many customer buy the same part #. Is there a way to use 2 cells as the look up value? (acct # & part #) Thanks for your help.

    Reply

  74. kashee

    Great job !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply

  78. Ramamoorthi

    The article was simple and easy to understand. It cleared the doubts I had about VLOOKUp function. I want more such articles to improve my working with Excel. Thanks a lot

    Reply

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