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Formulas > =VLOOKUP()

How To Use VLOOKUP() Function in Google Sheets

Description

Vertical lookup. Searches down the first column of a range for a key and returns the value of a specified cell in the row found.



Frequently Asked Questions about the VLOOKUP formula include:
• What is VLOOKUP and how is it used? To find a value in one column from criteria in another column.
• Why is it called VLOOKUP? It's because you're vertically looking through a column for a value based on criteria.


How can VLOOKUP Formula be use appropriately?
The VLOOKUP formula can be used to quickly and efficiently search for a specific value in a table or range. In order to use it properly, users must designate the column from which they want the value to be retrieved, the criteria that the value they want to retrieve needs to meet, and the range in which they will be searching.

How can the VLOOKUP formula be mistyped?
VLOOKUP can be mistyped as: VLOOK, or LOOKUP, or VLOK, or VLOOKP, or LOOKOUT, or VLOOKOUT.

How can VLOOKUP be used inappropriately?
The VLOOKUP formula can be used inappropriately if users are not careful when setting up the criteria for the value they are searching for. If the search criteria used in the VLOOKUP formula is too broad, the incorrect value may be retrieved from the table. Additionally, if the search criteria used in the VLOOKUP formula is too narrow, the desired value may not be returned.

What are some common pitfalls when using VLOOKUP?
Common pitfalls when using the VLOOKUP formula include using the incorrect column for the search criteria, using inaccurate search criteria, forgetting to set up an exact match in the formula, or forgetting to add a "$" sign in front of the cell references.

What are common mistakes users can make when using VLOOKUP?
Common mistakes when using the VLOOKUP Formula include forgetting to include the column number in the formula, forgetting to include the table array in the formula, or typing the formula incorrectly.
The VLOOKUP formula can be commonly mistyped if users do not properly define the values they need to use in the formula. For example, a mistake that is often made is using incorrect cell references in the formula.

What are some common misconceptions about VLOOKUP?
Common misconceptions people might have with the VLOOKUP Formula include that it can only be used to look up values in a single column, or that it cannot include multiple columns in the search criteria. Additionally, the VLOOKUP formula cannot be used to look up values in multiple worksheets.

What is a good alternative to VLOOKUP?
Try the INDEX/MATCH combinations. More formula combinations can be found in the Formula Combinations section

Also check out XLOOKUP or HLOOKUP for more options when looking through data for various criteria.

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How To Actually Use VLOOKUP() in Sheets

VLOOKUP(search_key, range, index, [is_sorted])
Google Docs Help

13Better Sheets Tutorials

Find a Value in a Range
I'll show you how to easily find a specific value in a range using two powerful formulas: VLOOKUP and INDEX MATCH. 

With VLOOKUP, we can search for a value in a column and retrieve information from the same row. 

I'll explain how to set it up and why the "false" parameter is important. Then, I'll introduce INDEX MATCH, which allows us to search for a value in one column and retrieve information from another column.

 I'll demonstrate how to use it to find a name based on a number and vice versa. This technique is incredibly useful when you need to look up information based on a specific value. 

Plus, I'll share a neat trick to make the search even more dynamic. So, let's dive in and master these versatile formulas together! 🚀
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Avoid Hidden Rows/Columns for Clarity

The speaker advises against using hidden rows or columns in Google Sheets. They suggest that this practice often leads to confusion and inefficiency, especially when sharing sheets with others. As an alternative, they recommend placing such data on a separate sheet.

Dynamic Dropdown Lists and Image Insertion

The tutorial demonstrates how to create dropdown lists where selecting a subject (e.g., English, Math, Study) changes the image displayed in another cell. This is achieved through data validation for dropdowns and using VLOOKUP or INDEX MATCH functions to link the chosen subject to its corresponding image.

Flexibility and Ease of Updates

The approach shown allows for easy updates and additions to the planner. For instance, adding new subjects or changing images is straightforward. The speaker emphasizes the versatility of the INDEX MATCH function over VLOOKUP, as it offers more control and adaptability, particularly when rearranging data.

The video also touches on the specifics of resizing rows for better image visibility, the importance of unique identifiers for dropdown options, and the benefits of expanding dropdown lists for future additions.






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Learn more about the VLOOKUP() formula:

VLOOKUP & TRUE

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