Excel lookup functions are powerful tools that allow you to search for specific information within a range of data. Whether you need to find a single value, match criteria, or locate related information, lookup functions can simplify your data analysis tasks. There are several lookup functions in Excel, each serving a specific purpose.
1. VLOOKUP Function
Purpose: Searches for a value in the first column of a table and returns a corresponding value in the same row.
Syntax: =VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup])
Steps:
Identify the lookup value.
Define the table array containing the data.
Specify the column index number of the value to be returned.
Decide whether to use an exact match (TRUE) or an approximate match (FALSE).
2. HLOOKUP Function
Purpose: Similar to VLOOKUP, but searches for a value in the first row of a table and returns a corresponding value in the same column.
Syntax: =HLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, row_index_num, [range_lookup])
Steps:
Identify the lookup value.
Define the table array containing the data.
Specify the row index number of the value to be returned.
Decide whether to use an exact match (TRUE) or an approximate match (FALSE).
3. INDEX-MATCH Combination:
Purpose: A versatile combination for more flexible lookups, offering advantages over VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP.
Syntax:
INDEX: =INDEX(return_range, MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_range, 0))
Steps:
Use MATCH to find the position of the lookup value.
Use INDEX to return the value from a specified range based on the MATCH result.
The “0” in MATCH ensures an exact match.
LOOKUP Function:
Purpose: Searches for a value in a range or array and returns a corresponding value in the same position in a second range or array.
Syntax: =LOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_vector, result_vector)
Steps:
Identify the lookup value.
Define the lookup vector (the range where the lookup value is located).
Define the result vector (the range from which to retrieve the corresponding value).
4. MATCH Function
Purpose: Returns the relative position of an item in a range.
Syntax: =MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_array, [match_type])
Steps:
Identify the lookup value.
Define the lookup array (the range where the lookup value is located).
Choose the match type (1 for less than, 0 for an exact match, -1 for greater than).
5. CHOOSE Function
Purpose: Returns a value from a list of values based on a specified index number.
Syntax: =CHOOSE(index_num, value1, value2, …)
Steps:
Specify the index number to choose the corresponding value.
List the values from which to choose.
Practice and Application
Apply these functions in real-world scenarios.
Use sample datasets to refine your skills.
Experiment with different lookup types to understand their strengths and limitations.
Remember, the key to mastering Excel lookup functions is consistent practice and application in various contexts.
How to Lookup in Excel: Knowledge Hub
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