Free VLOOKUP Formula Generator
Looks for a value in the leftmost column of a table, and then returns a value in the same row from a column you specify.
Generated Formula
=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index, FALSE)Learning Resources
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Mastering VLOOKUP: The Ultimate Guide
The VLOOKUP (Vertical Lookup) function is the backbone of data merging in Excel and Google Sheets. Whether you are reconciling invoices or searching for employee IDs, understanding how to structure this formula is essential for any spreadsheet user.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- The Left-to-Right Rule: Remember that VLOOKUP can only look for a value in the leftmost column of your range. If your lookup value is to the right of your result, VLOOKUP won't work.
- Approximate vs. Exact Match: Always use
FALSEor0as the last argument if you need an exact match (like an ID or Name). Otherwise, you might get the nearest smaller value instead. - Static Column Index: Hardcoding a column number (e.g., 3) makes your formula fragile. If you insert a new column, the index won't update, leading to broken data.
Pro Tip: If your lookup value is not in the first column, consider using INDEX & MATCH or the more modern XLOOKUP Generator which removes these limitations entirely.
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