Learn how to use VLOOKUP to find values in a table or a range by row. See examples, tips, common problems, and the new XLOOKUP function.

Use VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, and other functions like INDEX and MATCH to search for and find data based on values you enter. This article gives you a quick VLOOKUP refresher, then links to more.

VLOOKUP is one of the most popular, useful functions in Excel, but it’s hard to remember the formula if you don’t use it that often. If all you want is the syntax for VLOOKUP, here it is: To download a reference card that explains what the arguments mean and how to use them, click the link below.

The array form of LOOKUP is very similar to the HLOOKUP and VLOOKUP functions. The difference is that HLOOKUP searches for the value of lookup_value in the first row, VLOOKUP searches in the first column, and LOOKUP searches according to the dimensions of array.

To do this, use the VLOOKUP function. Important: Make sure the values in the first row have been sorted in an ascending order. In the above example, VLOOKUP looks for the first name of the student who has 6 tardies in the A2:B7 range.

The VLOOKUP or Vertical Lookup function is used when data is listed in columns. This function searches for a value in the left-most column and matches it with data in a specified column in the same row.

If you work with VLOOKUP, there is a good chance you may have run into the #VALUE! error several times. This topic lists the most common problems that may occur with VLOOKUP, and the possible solutions.

Excel comes with multiple Lookup and Reference functions that let you find matching values. Use this article to decide which function is best for your needs.

See examples of how to enter the cell ranges (the table_array argument) in VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP functions.

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