Look up for excel

Функция Excel LOOKUP имеет две формы: векторную форму и форму массива .

Форма массива функции LOOKUP аналогична другим функциям поиска в Excel, таким как VLOOKUP и HLOOKUP, в том, что ее можно использовать для поиска или поиска определенных значений, расположенных в таблице данных.

Чем это отличается, так это:

1. С помощью VLOOKUP и HLOOKUP вы можете выбрать, из какого столбца или строки возвращать значение данных, в то время как LOOKUP всегда возвращает значение из последней строки или столбца в массиве.
2. При попытке найти совпадение для указанного значения – известного как Lookup_value – VLOOKUP выполняет поиск только в первом столбце данных, а HLOOKUP – только в первой строке, а функция LOOKUP – в первой строке или в столбце. в зависимости от формы массива.

Функция LOOKUP и форма массива

Форма массива – будь то квадрат (равное количество столбцов и строк) или прямоугольник (неравное количество столбцов и строк) – влияет на то, где функция LOOKUP ищет данные:

• Если массив имеет квадратную форму или это высокий прямоугольник (выше его ширины), LOOKUP предполагает, что данные расположены в столбцах, и поэтому ищет совпадение с Lookup_value в первом столбец массива.
• Если массив является широким прямоугольником (шире его высоты), LOOKUP предполагает, что данные расположены в строках, и поэтому ищет совпадение с Lookup_value в первой строке массива.

Синтаксис и аргументы функции LOOKUP – форма массива

Синтаксис для формы массива функции LOOKUP:

 = LOOKUP (Lookup_value, Array) 

Lookup_value (обязательно) – значение, которое функция ищет в массиве. Значение Lookup_value может быть числом, текстом, логическим значением или ссылкой на имя или ячейку, которая ссылается на значение.

Массив (обязательно) – ячейки диапазона, в которых функция ищет значение Lookup_value. Данные могут быть текстовыми, числовыми или логическими значениями.

Для правильной работы функции LOOKUP аргумент Array должен быть отсортирован в порядке возрастания (от A до Z или от наименьшего к наибольшему для чисел)

Если функция не может найти точное соответствие для Lookup_value, она выбирает самое большое значение в массиве, которое меньше или равно значению Lookup_value

Если значение Lookup_value отсутствует или меньше всех значений в массиве, функция LOOKUP вернет ошибку # N/A

Пример использования массива формы функции LOOKUP

Как показано на рисунке выше, в этом примере будет использоваться форма массива функции LOOKUP, чтобы найти цену Whachamacallit в списке инвентаря.

Форма массива – высокий прямоугольник . Следовательно, функция вернет значение, расположенное в последнем столбце списка инвентаря.

Сортировка данных

Как указано в примечаниях выше, данные в массиве должны быть отсортированы в порядке возрастания, чтобы функция LOOKUP работала правильно.

При сортировке данных в Excel необходимо сначала выбрать столбцы и строки данных для сортировки. Обычно это включает в себя заголовки столбцов.

1. Выделите ячейки от A4 до C10 на листе
2. Нажмите на вкладку Данные в меню ленты.
3. Нажмите на кнопку Сортировать в середине ленты, чтобы открыть диалоговое окно Сортировка
4. Под заголовком Столбец в диалоговом окне выберите вариант сортировки по Деталь в раскрывающемся списке.
5. При необходимости под заголовком Сортировать по выберите Значения в раскрывающемся списке.
6. При необходимости под заголовком Заказ выберите А до Я в раскрывающемся списке.
7. Нажмите ОК , чтобы отсортировать данные и закрыть диалоговое окно.
8. Порядок данных теперь должен соответствовать указанному на рисунке выше.

Пример функции LOOKUP

Хотя можно просто набрать функцию LOOKUP

 = LOOKUP (А2, А5: С10) 

в ячейку рабочего листа многим людям проще использовать диалоговое окно функции.

Диалоговое окно позволяет вводить каждый аргумент в отдельной строке, не беспокоясь о синтаксисе функции – например, скобках и разделителях запятых между аргументами.

Следующие шаги подробно описывают, как функция LOOKUP была введена в ячейку B2 с помощью диалогового окна.

1. Нажмите на ячейку B2 на рабочем листе, чтобы сделать ее активной;
2. Нажмите на вкладку Формулы ;
3. Выберите Поиск и ссылку на ленте, чтобы открыть раскрывающийся список функций;
4. Нажмите на LOOKUP в списке, чтобы открыть диалоговое окно Выбрать аргументы ;
5. Нажмите на lookup_value, array в списке;
6. Нажмите ОК , чтобы открыть диалоговое окно Аргументы функций ;
7. В диалоговом окне нажмите на строку Lookup_value ;
8. Нажмите на ячейку A2 на рабочем листе, чтобы ввести ссылку на эту ячейку в диалоговое окно;
9. Нажмите на строку Массив в диалоговом окне.
10. Выделите ячейки от A5 до C10 на рабочем листе, чтобы ввести этот диапазон в диалоговое окно – этот диапазон содержит все данные, которые должны быть найдены функцией
11. Нажмите ОК , чтобы завершить функцию и закрыть диалоговое окно.
12. В ячейке E2 появляется ошибка # N/A , потому что нам еще предстоит ввести имя детали в ячейку D2

Ввод значения поиска

1. Нажмите на ячейку A2, введите Whachamacallit и нажмите клавишу Enter на клавиатуре;
2. Значение $ 23,56 должно появиться в ячейке B2, поскольку это цена Whachamacallit, расположенного в последнем столбце таблицы данных;
3. Проверьте функцию, введя другие имена деталей в ячейку A2. Цена за каждую часть в списке появится в ячейке B2;
4. При нажатии на ячейку E2 полная функция = LOOKUP (A2, A5: C10) появляется на панели формул над рабочим листом.

Use the LOOKUP function to look up a value in a one-column or one-row range, and retrieve a value from the same position in another one-column or one-row range. The lookup function has two forms, vector and array. The majority of this article describes the vector form, but the last example below illustrates the array form.

The LOOKUP function accepts three arguments: lookup_value, lookup_vector, and result_vector. The first argument, lookup_value, is the value to look for. The second argument, lookup_vector, is a one-row, or one-column range to search. LOOKUP assumes that lookup_vector is sorted in ascending order. The third argument, result_vector, is a one-row, or one-column range of results. Result_vector is optional. When result_vector is provided, LOOKUP locates a match in the lookup_vector, and returns the corresponding value from result_vector. If result_vector is not provided, LOOKUP returns the value of the match found in lookup_vector.

LOOKUP has default behaviors that make it useful when solving certain problems. For example, LOOKUP can be used to retrieve an approximate-matched value instead of a position and to find the last value in a row or column. LOOKUP assumes that values in lookup_vector are sorted in ascending order and always performs an approximate match. When LOOKUP can’t find a match, it will match the next smallest value.

Example #1 — basic usage

In the example shown above, the formula in cell F5 returns the value of the match found in column B. Note that result_vector is not provided:

=LOOKUP(F4,B5:B9) // returns match in level

The formula in cell F6 returns the corresponding Tier value from column C. Notice in this case, both lookup_vector and result_vector are provided:

=LOOKUP(F4,B5:B9,C5:C9) // returns corresponding tier 

In both formulas, LOOKUP automatically performs an approximate match and it is therefore important that lookup_vector is sorted in ascending order.

Example #2 — last non-empty cell

LOOKUP can be used to get the value of the last filled (non-empty) cell in a column. In the screen below, the formula in F6 is:

=LOOKUP(2,1/(B:B<>""),B:B)

Note the use of a full column reference. This is not an intuitive formula, but it works well. The key to understanding this formula is to recognize that the lookup_value of 2 is deliberately larger than any values that will appear in the lookup_vector. Detailed explanation here.

Example #3 — latest price

Similar to the above example, the lookup function can be used to look up the latest price in data sorted in ascending order by date. In the screen below, the formula in G5 is:

=LOOKUP(2,1/(item=F5),price)

where item (B5:B12) and price (D5:D12) are named ranges. 

When lookup_value is greater than all values in lookup_array, default behavior is to «fall back» to the previous value. This formula exploits this behavior by creating an array that contains only 1s and errors, then deliberately looking for the value 2, which will never be found. More details here.

Example #4 — array form

The LOOKUP function has an array form as well. In the array configuration, LOOKUP takes just two arguments: the lookup_value, and a single two-dimensional array:

LOOKUP(lookup_value, array) // array form

In the array form, LOOKUP evaluates the array and automatically changes behavior based on the array dimensions. If the array is wider than tall, LOOKUP looks for the lookup value in the first row of the array (like HLOOKUP). If the array is taller than wide (or square), LOOKUP looks for the lookup value in the first column (like VLOOKUP). In either case, LOOKUP returns a value at the same position from the last row or column in the array. The example below shows how the array form works. The formula in F5 is configured to use a vertical array and the formula in F6 is configured to use a horizontal array:

=LOOKUP(E5,B5:C9) // vertical array
=LOOKUP(E6,C11:G12) // horizontal array

The vertical and horizontal arrays contain the same values; only the orientation is different.

Note: Microsoft discourages the use of the array form and suggests VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP as better options.

Notes

• LOOKUP assumes that lookup_vector is sorted in ascending order.
• When lookup_value can’t be found, LOOKUP will match the next smallest value.
• When lookup_value is greater than all values in lookup_vector, LOOKUP matches the last value.
• When lookup_value is less than the first value in lookup_vector, LOOKUP returns #N/A.
• Result_vector must be the same size as lookup_vector.
• LOOKUP is not case-sensitive

sample files

1. ADDRESS Function

The ADDRESS Function returns a valid cell reference as per the column and row address. In simple words, you can create an address of a cell by using its row number and column number.

Syntax

ADDRESS(row_num,column_num,abs_num,A1,sheet_text)

Arguments

• row_num: A number to specify row number.
• column_num: A number to specify column number.
• [abs_num]: Reference type.
• [A1]: Reference style.
• [sheet_text]: A text value as a sheet name.

Notes

• By default, the ADDRESS function returns absolute reference in the result.

Example

In the below example, we have used different arguments to get all types of results.

With R1C1 reference style:

• Relative reference.
• Relative row and absolute column reference.
• Absolute row and relative column reference.
• Absolute reference.

With A1 reference style:

• Relative reference.
• Relative row and absolute column reference.
• Absolute row and relative column reference.
• Absolute reference.

2. AREAS Function

The AREAS Function returns a number that represents the number of ranges in the reference you have specified. In simple words, it actually counts the different worksheet areas you have referred to the function.

syntax

AREAS(reference)

Arguments

• reference: A Reference to a cell or a range of cells.

Notes

• Reference can be a cell, a range of cells or a named range.
• If you want to refer to more than one cell reference, you have to enclose all those references in more than one set of parentheses and use commas to separate each reference from others.

Example

In the below example, we have used areas function to get the number reference in a named range.

As you can see there are three columns in the range and it has returned 3 in the result.

3. CHOOSE Function

The CHOOSE function returns a value from the list of values based on the position number specified. In simple words, it looks for a value from a list based on its position and returns it in the result.

Syntax

CHOOSE(index_num,value1,value2,…)

Arguments

• index_num: A number for specifying the position of the value in the list.
• value1: A range of cells or an input value from which you can choose.
• [value2]: A range of cells or an input value from which you can choose.

Notes

• You can refer to a cell or you can also insert values directly in the function.

Example

In the below example, we have used CHOOSE function with a drop-down list to calculate four(sum, average, max, and mix) different things. So, we have used the below formula to calculate all four things:

=CHOOSE(VLOOKUP(K2,Q1:R4,2,FALSE),SUM(O2:O9),AVERAGE(O2:O9),MAX(O2:O9),MIN(O2:O9))

We have this small table with the name of all four calculations which we want and a serial number to each in the corresponding cell.

After that, we have a drop-down list for all four calculations. Now, to get index number in the choose function from that small table we have a lookup formula which will returns serial number as per the value selected from the drop-down list.

And instead of values, we have used four formulas for 4 different calculations.

4. COLUMN Function

The COLUMN function returns the column number for the given cell reference. As you know, every cell reference is made up of a column number and a row number. So it takes the column number and returns it in the result.

Syntax

COLUMN([reference])

Arguments

• reference: A cell reference for which you want to get the column number.

Notes

• You cannot refer to multiple references.
• If you refer to an array, the column function will also return the column numbers in an array.
• If you refer to a range of more than one cell, it will return the column number of the leftmost cell. For example, if you refer to the range A1:C10, it will return the column number of the cell A1.
• If you skip specifying a reference, it will return the column number of the current cell.

Example

In the below example, we have used COLUMN to get the column number of the cell A1.

As I have already mentioned, if you skip specifying cell reference it will return the column number of the current cell. In the below example, we have used COLUMN to create a header with serial numbers.

5. COLUMNS Function

The COLUMNS function returns the number of columns referred to in the given reference. In simple words, it counts how many columns are there in the supplied range and returns that count.

Syntax

COLUMNS(array)

Arguments

• array: An array or range of cells from which you want to get the number of columns.

Notes

• You can also use a named range.
• COLUMNS function is not concerned with the values in the cells, it will simply return the number of columns in a reference.

Example

In the below example, we have used COLUMN to get the number of columns from range A1:F1.

6. FORMULATEXT Function

The FORMULATEXT function returns the formula from the referred cell. And if there’s no formula in the referred cell, a value, or a blank, it will return a #N/A.

Syntax

FORMULATEXT(reference)

Arguments

• reference: The cell reference from which you want formula as a text.

Notes

• If you refer to another workbook that workbook should be open, otherwise it will not show the formula.
• If you refer to a range more than a single cell, it will return formula from the upper-left cell of the given range.
• It will return an “#N/A” error value if the cell you are using as a reference does not contain any formula, has a formula with more than 8192 characters, a cell is protected, or an external workbook is not opened.
• If you refer two cells in circular reference it will return results from both.

Example

In the below example, we have used formula text with different types of references. When you refer to a cell that doesn’t have any formula, it will return “#N/A” error value.

7. HLOOKUP Function

The HLOOKUP function lookups for a value in the top row of a table and returns the value from the same column of the matched value using the index number. In simple words, it performs a horizontal lookup.

Syntax

HLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, row_index_num, [range_lookup])

Arguments

• lookup_value: The value you want to lookup.
• table_array: The data table or an array from which you want to the lookup value.
• row_index_num: A numeric value representing a number of rows below from the top row from which you want the value. For example, if you specify 2 and your lookup value is in A10 in the data table, it will return value from cell B10.
• [range_lookup]: A logical value to specify the type of lookup. If you want to perform an exact match search use FALSE and if you want to perform a non-exact match use TRUE (Default).

Notes

• You can use wildcard characters.
• You can perform an exact match and an approximate match.
• While performing an approximate match make sure to sort data in ascending order from left to right, and if data is not in ascending order then it would return an inaccurate result.
• If range_lookup is true or omitted, it will perform a non-exact match but return an exact match if the lookup value exists in the lookup range.
• If range_lookup is true or omitted, and the lookup value is not in the lookup range, it will return the nearest value which is less than the lookup value.
• If range_lookup is false, then there is no need to sort data range.

Example

In the below example, we have used the HLOOKUP function with MATCH to create a dynamic formula and then we have used a drop-down list to change the lookup value from the cell.

The zone name from cell C7 is used as a lookup value. Range B1: F5 as table array and for row_index_num we have used match function to get the row number.

Whenever you change the value in cell C9, it will return the row number from the table array. You don’t have to change your formula again and again. Just change values with the drop-down list and you will get value for that.

8. HYPERLINK Function

The HYPERLINK function returns a string with a hyperlink attached to it. In simple words, like the HYPERLINK option you have in Excel, the HYPERLINK function helps you to create a hyperlink.

Syntax

HYPERLINK(link_location,[friendly_name])

Arguments

• Link_Location: The location for which you want to add a HYPERLINK. It can be further split into two terms.
  1. link: It can be an address of a cell or range of cells in the same worksheet or in any other worksheet or in any other workbook. We can also link a bookmark from a word document.
  2. location: It can be a link to a hard drive, a server using the UNC path, or any URL from the internet or intranet. (In Excel online you can only use web address for HYPERLINK function). You can insert a link to the function by inserting it as a text with quotation marks or by referring to a cell containing the link as a text. Make sure to use “HTTPS://” before a web address.
• [friendly_name]: It is an optional part of this function. It acts as the face of the connecting link.
  1. You can use any type of text, number, or both.
  2. You also refer to a cell which contains the friendly_name.
  3. If you skip it, the function will use the link address to display.
  4. If friendly_name returns an error, the function will display error.

Notes

• Link a file saved on a Web Address: You can use a file that is saved on a web address. This helps us to share the file in an effective way.
• Link a file saved on a Hard Drive: You can also use this function while working offline. You can link a file that is stored on your hard drive and access them through your single excel sheet, no need to go to every single folder to open them.
• Link a Word Document File: This is also an awesome feature of HYPERLINK function. You can link a Word document file or a specific place in word document file using a bookmark.
• Link a file without using Friendly Name: If you want to show the actual link to the file or place to the user. In this situation, you just need to skip the friendly name declaration in the HYPERLINK Function.

9. INDEX Function

The INDEX function returns a value from a list of values based on its index number. In simple words, INDEX returns a value from a list of values and you need to specify that value’s position.

Syntax

INDEX has two different syntaxes.

In the first, you can use an array form of an index to simply get a value from a list using its position.

INDEX(array, row_num, [column_num]) 

In the second, you can use a referral form that is less used in real life but you can use it if you have more than one range to get value from.

INDEX(reference, row_num, [column_num], [area_num])

Arguments

• array: A range of cells or an array constant.
• reference: A range of cells or multiple ranges.
• row_number: The number of the row from which you want to get the value.
• [col_number]: The number of the column from which you want to get the value.
• [area_number]: If you are referring to more than one range of cells (using reference syntax), specify a number to refer to a range from all those.

Notes

• When both the row_num and column_num arguments are specified, it will return the value in the cell at the intersection of both.
• If you specify row_num or column_num as 0 (zero), it will return the array of values for the entire column or row, respectively.
• When row_num and column_num are out the range, it will return an error #REF!.
• If area_number is greater than the number ranges you have specified then it will return #REF!.

Example

1. Using ARRAY – Getting Value from a List

In the below example, we have used the INDEX function to get the quantity of June month. In the list, Jun is in 6th position (6th row) that’s why I have specified 6 in row_number. INDEX has returned the value 1904 in the result.

And if you referring to a range with more than one column you have to specify the column number.

2. Using REFERENCE – Getting Value from Multiple Lists

In the below example, instead of selecting all the range in one go, I have selected it as three different ranges. In the last argument, we have specified 2 in area_number which will define the range to use from these three different ranges.

Now in the second range, we are referring to the 5th row and 1st column. INDEX has returned the value 172 which in the 5th row in the 2nd range.

10. INDIRECT Function

The INDIRECT function returns a valid reference from a text string which represents a cell reference. In simple words, you can refer to a cell range by using the cell address as a text value.

Syntax

INDIRECT(ref_text, [a1])

Arguments

• ref_text: A text which represents the address of a cell, an address of a range of cells, a named range, or a table name. For example, A1, B10:B20, or MyRange.
• [a1]: A number or a boolean value to represent the type of cell reference you are specifying in ref_text. For example, if you want to use A1 reference style use TRUE or 1 and if you want to use R1C1 reference style use FALSE or 0 for R1C reference style. And if you omit to specify the cell reference type, it will use A1 style as default.

Notes

• When you referred to another workbook, that workbook should be opened.
• If you insert a row or a column in the range which you have referred, INDIRECT will not update that reference.
• If you want to insert text directly into the function you have to put it in double quotation marks or you can also refer to a cell that has the text you want to use as a reference.

Example

1. Reference to Another Worksheet

You can also refer to another worksheet using the INDIRECT and you have to insert the worksheet name in it. In the below example, we have used the indirect function to refer to another worksheet and have the sheet name in cell A2 and cell reference in cell B2.

In cell C2, we have used the following formula to combine the text.

=INDIRECT(“‘”&A2&”‘!”&B2)

This combination creates a text which is used by the INDIRECT function to refer to the cell A1 in sheet1 and the best part is when you change the worksheet name or cell address the reference will automatically change.

Cell A1 in “Sheet1” has the value “Yes” and that’s why indirect returns the value “Yes”.

2. Reference to Another Workbook

You can also refer to another workbook, in the same way, we did for another worksheet. All you have to do, just add a workbook name in your text which you are using as a reference.

In the above example, we have used the following formula to get the value from the cell A1 of the workbook “Book1”.

=INDIRECT(“[“&A2&”]”&B2&”!”&C2)

As we have the workbook name in cell “A2”, worksheet name in cell “B2” and cell name in cell “C2”. We have combined them to use as an input text in indirect function.

Note: While combining cell reference as a text make sure to follow the right reference structure.

3. Using with Named Ranges

Yes, you can also refer to a named range using the indirect function. It’s just simple. Once you create a named range you have to enter that named range as a text in INDIRECT.

In the above example, we have a drop-down in cell E1 which has a list of named ranges, and in cell E2 we have used that name. As range B2:B5 is named as “Quantity” and range C2:C5 is named as “Amount”.

When you select quantity from drop-down indirect function instantly refers to the named range. And when you select the amount from the drop-down, you will have the sum of cell range C2:C5.

11. LOOKUP Function

The LOOKUP function returns a value (which you are looking up) from a row, column, or from an array. In simple words, you can look up for a value, and LOOKUP will return that value if it’s there in that row, column, or array.

Syntax

LOOKUP(value, lookup_range, [result_range])

There are two types of LOOKUP functions.

• Vector Form
• Array Form

Arguments

• value: The value that you want to search from a column or a row.
• lookup_range: The column or row from which you want to lookup for the value.
• [result_range]: The column or row from which you want to return a value. This is an optional argument.

Notes

• Instead of using array form it’s better to use VLOOKUP or HLOOKUP.

12. MATCH Function

The MATCH function returns the index number of the value from an array. In simple words, the MATCH function looks up for a value in the list and returns the position number of that value in the list.

Syntax

MATCH (lookup_value, lookup_array, [match_type])

Arguments

• lookup_value: The value whose position you want to get from a list of values.
• lookup_array: The range of cell or an array contains values.
• [match_type]: The number (-1, 0 & 1) to specify how excel look for the value from the list of values.
  1. If you use 1, it will return the largest value which is equal or less than the lookup value. The values in the list must be sorted in ascending order.
  2. If you use -1, it will return the smallest value which is equal or greater than the lookup value. The values in the list must be sorted in ascending order.
  3. If you use 0, it will return the exact match from the list.

Notes

• You can use wildcard characters.
• If there is no matching value in the list if will return #N/A.
• The match function is non-case sensitive.

Example

In the below example, we have used 1 as match type and we are looking for value 5.

As I have already mentioned if you use 1 in match type it returns the largest value which is equal or smaller than the lookup value. In the entire list, there are 3 values that are smaller than 5 and 4 is the highest in them.

That’s why in the result it has returned 3 which is the position of value 4.

13. OFFSET Function

The OFFSET function returns a reference to a range which is a specific number of rows and columns away from a cell or range of cells. In simple words, you can refer to a cell or a range of cells by using rows and columns from a starting cell.

Syntax

OFFSET(reference, rows, cols, [height], [width])

Arguments

• reference: The reference from which you want to offset to start. It can be a cell or range of adjacent cells.
• rows: The number of rows that tell OFFSET to move up or down from the reference. To go downward you need a positive number and for going upwards you need a negative number.
• cols: The number of columns tells OFFSET to move to the left or right from the reference. To go right you need a positive number and for going left you need a negative number.
• [height]: A number to specify the rows to include in the reference.
• [width]: A number to specify the columns to include in the reference.

Notes

• OFFSET is a “volatile” function, it recalculates whenever there is any change to a worksheet.
• It displays the #REF! error value if the offset is outside the edge of the worksheet.
• If height or width is omitted, the height and width of reference are used.

Example

In the below example, we have used SUM with OFFSET to create a dynamic range which sums the values from all the months for a particular product.

14. ROW Function

The ROW function returns the row number of the referred cell. In simple words, with the ROW function, you can get the row number of a cell and if you don’t refer to any cell then it returns the row number for the cell where you insert it.

Syntax

ROW([reference])

Arguments

• reference: A cell reference or a range of cells for which you want to check the row number.

Notes

• It will include all types of sheets (Chart Sheet, Worksheet or Macro Sheet).
• You can refer to sheets even if they are visible, hidden or very hidden.
• If you skip specifying any value in the function it will give you the sheet number of the sheet in which you have applied the function.
• If you specify an invalid sheet name, it will return a #N/A.
• If you specify an invalid sheet reference, it will return a #REF!.

Example

In the below example, we have used the row function check the row number of the same cell where we have used the function.

In the below example, we have referred to another cell to get the row number of that cell.

You can use the row function to create a serial number list in your worksheet. All you have to do is just enter row functions in a cell and drag it up to the cell you want to add serial numbers.

15. ROWS Function

The ROWS function returns a count of the rows from the referred range. In simple words, with the ROWS function you can count how many rows are in the range you have referred to.

Syntax

ROWS(array)

Arguments

• array: A cell reference or an array to check the number of rows.

Notes

• You can also use a named range.
• It is not concerned with the values in the cells, it will simply return the number of rows in a reference.

Example

In the below example, we have referred to a vertical range of 10 cells and it has returned 10 in the result as the range includes 10 rows.

16. TRANSPOSE Function

The TRANSPOSE function changes the orientation of a range. In simple words, by using this function you can change the data from a row into a column and from a column into a row.

Syntax

TRANSPOSE (array)

Arguments

• array: An array or a range you want to transpose.

Notes

• You have to apply TRANSPOSE as an array function, using the same number of cells as you have in your source range by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
• If you select cells less than source range, it will transpose data only for those cells.

Example

Here we need to transpose data from range B2:D4 to range G2 to I4:

For this, first, we need to go to the cell G2 and select cell range up to I4.

Next is to enter (=TRANSPOSE(B2:D4)) in cell G2 and press Ctrl+Shift+Enter.

TRANSPOSE will convert the data from the rows into columns, and the formula which we have applied is an array formula, you cannot change a single cell from it.

17. VLOOKUP Function

The VLOOKUP function lookups for a value in the first column of a table and returns the value from the same row of the matched value using the index number. In simple words, it performs a vertical lookup.

Syntax

VLOOKUP(lookup_value,table_array,col_index_num,range_lookup)

Arguments

• lookup_value: A value that you want to search in a column. You can refer to a cell that has the lookup value or you can directly enter that value into the function.
• table_array: A range of cells, a named range from which you want to look up the value.
• col_index_num: A number represents the column number from which you want to retrieve the value.
• range_lookup: Use false or 0 to make an exact match and true or 1 for an appropriate match. The default is True.

Notes

• If VLOOKUP cannot find the value you are looking for, it will return an #N/A.
• VLOOKUP is only able to give you the value which is on the right side of the lookup value. If you want to look upon the right side, you can use INDEX and MATCH for that.
• If you are using an exact match then it will only match the value which is first in the column.
• You can also use wildcard characters with VLOOKUP.
• You can use TRUE or 1 if you want an appropriate match and FALSE or 0 for an exact match.
• If you are using an appropriate match (True): It will return the next smallest value from the list if there is no exact match.
• If the value which you are looking for is smaller than the smallest value in the list, VLOOKUP will return #N/A.
• If there is an exact value exists which you are looking for, it will give you that exact value.
• Make sure you have sorted the list in ascending order.

Example

1. Using VLOOKUP for Categories

In the below example, we have a list of students with marks they have scored, and in the remarks column, we want to a grade according to their marks.

In the above marks list, we want to add remarks as per the below category range.

In this, we have two options to use.

FIRST is to create a nesting formula with IF which is a little bit time-consuming, and the SECOND option is to create a formula with VLOOKUP with an appropriate match. And, the formula will be:

=VLOOKUP(B2,$E$2:$G$5,3,TRUE)

How it works

I am using the “MIN MARKS” column to match the lookup value and I am getting value in return from the “Remarks” column.

I have already mentioned that when you use TRUE and there is no exact match lookup value then it will return the next smallest value from the lookup value. For example, when we are looking for a value 77 from the category table, 65 is the next smallest value after 77.

That is why we got “Good” in remarks.

2. Handling Errors in VLOOKUP Function

One of the most common problems which come when you are using VLOOKUP is that you’ll get #N/A whenever there is no match is found by it. But the solution to this problem is simple and easy. Let me show with an easy example.

In the below example, we have a list of names and their age and in cell E6, we are using the VLOOKUP function to look up a name from the list. Whenever I type a name that is not on the list I am getting #N/A.

But what I want here is to show a meaningful message instead of the error. The formula will be: =IFNA(VLOOKUP(D6,Sheet3!$A$1:$B$14,2,0),”Not Found”)

How it works: IFNA can test a value for #N/A and if there is an error you can specify a value instead of the error.

Date yes Add (Subtract) Days to a Date Concatenate Dates Convert Date to Number Convert Date to Text Month Name to Number Create Date Range from Dates Day Number of Year Month Name from Date First Day of Month Add (Subtract) Weeks to a Date If Functions with Dates Max Date Number of Days Between Dates Number of Days in a Month Number of Weeks Between Dates Number of Years Between Dates Split Date & Time into Separate Cells Countdown Remaining Days Insert Dates Random Date Generator Using Dynamic Ranges — Year to Date Values Add (Subtract) Years to a Date Date Formula Examples Extract Day from Date Get Day Name from Date Count Days Left in Month / Year Count Workdays Left in Month / Year Get Last Day of Month Last Business Day of Month / Year Number of Work / Business Days in Month Weekday Abbreviations Auto Populate Dates Number of Months Between Dates Quarter from a Date Years of Service Change Date Format Compare Dates Time yes Add (Subtract) Hours to Time Add (Subtract) Minutes to Time Add (Subtract) Seconds to Time Add Up time (Total Time) Time Differences Change Time Format Convert Minutes to Hours Convert Time to Decimal Convert Time to Hours Convert Time to Minutes Convert Time to Seconds Military Time Round Time to Nearest 15 Minutes Overtime Calculator Number of Hours Between Times Convert Seconds to Minutes, Hours, or Time Count Hours Worked Time Differences Time Format — Show Minutes Seconds Text yes Add Commas to Cells Get First Word from Text Capitalize First Letter Clean & Format Phone #s Remove Extra Trailing / Leading Spaces Add Spaces to Cell Assign Number Value to Text Combine Cells with Comma Combine First and Last Names Convert Text String to Date Convert Text to Number Extract Text From Cell Get Last Word Remove Unwated Characters Extract Text Before or After Character How to Split Text String by Space, Comma, & More Remove Special Characters Remove First Characters from Left Substitute Multiple Values Switch First & Last Names w/ Commas Remove Specific Text from a Cell Extract Text Between Characters (Ex. Parenthesis) Add Leading Zeros to a Number Remove Line Breaks from Text Remove all Numbers from Text Reverse Text Remove Non-Numeric Characters Remove Last Character(s) From Right Separate First and Last Names Separate Text & Numbers Round yes Round Formulas Round Price to Nearest Dollar or Cent Round to Nearest 10, 100, or 1000 Round to Nearest 5 or .5 Round Percentages Round to Significant Figures Count yes Count Blank and Non-blank Cells Count Cells Between Two Numbers Count Cells not Equal to Count if Cells are in Range Count Times Word Appears in Cell Count Words in Cell Count Specific Characters in Column Count Total Number of Characters in Column Count Cells that Equal one of two Results Count Cells that do not Contain Count Cells that Contain Specific Text Count Unique Values in Range Countif — Multiple Criteria Count Total Number of Cells in Range Count Cells with Any Text Count Total Cells in a Table Lookup yes Two Dimensional VLOOKUP VLOOKUP Simple Example Vlookup — Multiple Matches Case Sensitive Lookup Case Sensitive VLOOKUP Sum if — VLOOKUP Case Sensitive Lookup Case Sensitive VLOOKUP Find Duplicates w/ VLOOKUP or MATCH INDEX MATCH MATCH Lookup — Return Cell Address (Not Value) Lookup Last Value in Column or Row Reverse VLOOKUP (Right to Left) Risk Score Bucket with VLOOKUP Sum with a VLOOKUP Function VLOOKUP & INDIRECT VLOOKUP Concatenate VLOOKUP Contains (Partial Match) 17 Reasons Why Your XLOOKUP is Not Working Double (Nested) XLOOKUP — Dynamic Columns IFERROR (& IFNA) XLOOKUP Lookup Min / Max Value Nested VLOOKUP Top 11 Alternatives to VLOOKUP (Updated 2022!) VLOOKUP – Dynamic Column Reference VLOOKUP – Fix #N/A Error VLOOKUP – Multiple Sheets at Once VLOOKUP & HLOOKUP Combined VLOOKUP & MATCH Combined VLOOKUP Between Worksheets or Spreadsheets VLOOKUP Duplicate Values VLOOKUP Letter Grades VLOOKUP Return Multiple Columns VLOOKUP Returns 0? Return Blank Instead VLOOKUP w/o #N/A Error XLOOKUP Multiple Sheets at Once XLOOKUP Between Worksheets or Spreadsheets XLOOKUP by Date XLOOKUP Duplicate Values XLOOKUP Multiple Criteria XLOOKUP Return Multiple Columns XLOOKUP Returns 0? Return Blank Instead XLOOKUP Text XLOOKUP with IF XLOOKUP With If Statement Misc. yes Sort Multiple Columns Use Cell Value in Formula Percentage Change Between Numbers Percentage Breakdown Rank Values Add Spaces to Cell CAGR Formula Average Time Decimal Part of Number Integer Part of a Number Compare Items in a List Dealing with NA() Errors Get Worksheet Name Wildcard Characters Hyperlink to Current Folder Compound Interest Formula Percentage Increase Create Random Groups Sort with the Small and Large Functions Non-volatile Function Alternatives Decrease a Number by a Percentage Calculate Percent Variance Profit Margin Calculator Convert Column Number to Letter Get Full Address of Named Range Insert File Name Insert Path Latitute / Longitude Functions Replace Negative Values Reverse List Range Convert State Name to Abbreviation Create Dynamic Hyperlinks Custom Sort List with Formula Data Validation — Custom Formulas Dynamic Sheet Reference (INDIRECT) Reference Cell in Another Sheet or Workbook Get Cell Value by Address Get Worksheet Name Increment Cell Reference List Sheet Names List Skipped Numbers in Sequence Return Address of Max Value in Range Search by Keywords Select Every Other (or Every nth) Row Basics yes Cell Reference Basics — A1, R1C1, 3d, etc. Add Up (Sum) Entire Column or Row Into to Dynamic Array Formulas Conversions yes Convert Time Zones Convert Celsius to Fahrenheit Convert Pounds to Kilograms Convert Time to Unix Time Convert Feet to Meters Convert Centimeters to Inches Convert Kilometers to Miles Convert Inches to Feet Convert Date to Julian Format Convert Column Letter to Number Tests yes Test if a Range Contains any Text Test if any Cell in Range is Number Test if a Cell Contains a Specific Value Test if Cell Contains Any Number Test if Cell Contains Specific Number Test if Cell is Number or Text If yes Percentile If Subtotal If Sumproduct If Large If and Small If Median If Concatentate If Max If Rank If TEXTJOIN If Sum yes Sum if — Begins With / Ends With Sum if — Month or Year to Date Sum if — By Year Sum if — Blank / Non-Blank Sum if — Horizontal Sum Count / Sum If — Cell Color INDIRECT Sum Sum If — Across Multiple Sheets Sum If — By Month Sum If — Cells Not Equal To Sum If — Not Blank Sum if — Between Values Sum If — Week Number Sum Text Sum if — By Category or Group Sum if — Cell Contains Specific Text (Wildcards) Sum if — Date Rnage Sum if — Dates Equal Sum if — Day of Week Sum if — Greater Than Sum if — Less Than Average yes Average Non-Zero Values Average If — Not Blank Average — Ignore 0 Average — Ignore Errors Math yes Multiplication Table Cube Roots nth Roots Square Numbers Square Roots Calculations yes Calculate a Ratio Calculate Age KILLLLLLL Calculate Loan Payments GPA Formula Calculate VAT Tax How to Grade Formulas Find yes Find a Number in a Column / Workbook Find Most Frequent Numbers Find Smallest n Values Find nth Occurance of Character in Text Find and Extract Number from String Find Earliest or Latest Date Based on Criteria Find First Cell with Any Value Find Last Row Find Last Row with Data Find Missing Values Find Largest n Values Most Frequent Number Conditional Formatting yes Conditional Format — Dates & Times Conditional Format — Highlight Blank Cells New Functions XLOOKUP Replaces VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, and INDEX / MATCH Logical yes AND Checks whether all conditions are met. TRUE/FALSE IF If condition is met, do something, if not, do something else. IFERROR If result is an error then do something else. NOT Changes TRUE to FALSE and FALSE to TRUE. OR Checks whether any conditions are met. TRUE/FALSE XOR Checks whether one and only one condition is met. TRUE/FALSE Lookup & Reference yes FALSE The logical value: FALSE. TRUE The logical value: TRUE. ADDRESS Returns a cell address as text. AREAS Returns the number of areas in a reference. CHOOSE Chooses a value from a list based on it’s position number. COLUMN Returns the column number of a cell reference. COLUMNS Returns the number of columns in an array. HLOOKUP Lookup a value in the first row and return a value. HYPERLINK Creates a clickable link. INDEX Returns a value based on it’s column and row numbers. INDIRECT Creates a cell reference from text. LOOKUP Looks up values either horizontally or vertically. MATCH Searches for a value in a list and returns its position. OFFSET Creates a reference offset from a starting point. ROW Returns the row number of a cell reference. ROWS Returns the number of rows in an array. TRANSPOSE Flips the oriention of a range of cells. VLOOKUP Lookup a value in the first column and return a value. Date & Time yes DATE Returns a date from year, month, and day. DATEDIF Number of days, months or years between two dates. DATEVALUE Converts a date stored as text into a valid date DAY Returns the day as a number (1-31). DAYS Returns the number of days between two dates. DAYS360 Returns days between 2 dates in a 360 day year. EDATE Returns a date, n months away from a start date. EOMONTH Returns the last day of the month, n months away date. HOUR Returns the hour as a number (0-23). MINUTE Returns the minute as a number (0-59). MONTH Returns the month as a number (1-12). NETWORKDAYS Number of working days between 2 dates. NETWORKDAYS.INTL Working days between 2 dates, custom weekends. NOW Returns the current date and time. SECOND Returns the second as a number (0-59) TIME Returns the time from a hour, minute, and second. TIMEVALUE Converts a time stored as text into a valid time. TODAY Returns the current date. WEEKDAY Returns the day of the week as a number (1-7). WEEKNUM Returns the week number in a year (1-52). WORKDAY The date n working days from a date. WORKDAY.INTL The date n working days from a date, custom weekends. YEAR Returns the year. YEARFRAC Returns the fraction of a year between 2 dates. Engineering yes CONVERT Convert number from one unit to another. Financial yes FV Calculates the future value. PV Calculates the present value. NPER Calculates the total number of payment periods. PMT Calculates the payment amount. RATE Calculates the interest Rate. NPV Calculates the net present value. IRR The internal rate of return for a set of periodic CFs. XIRR The internal rate of return for a set of non-periodic CFs. PRICE Calculates the price of a bond. YIELD Calculates the bond yield. INTRATE The interest rate of a fully invested security. Information yes CELL Returns information about a cell. ERROR.TYPE Returns a value representing the cell error. ISBLANK Test if cell is blank. TRUE/FALSE ISERR Test if cell value is an error, ignores #N/A. TRUE/FALSE ISERROR Test if cell value is an error. TRUE/FALSE ISEVEN Test if cell value is even. TRUE/FALSE ISFORMULA Test if cell is a formula. TRUE/FALSE ISLOGICAL Test if cell is logical (TRUE or FALSE). TRUE/FALSE ISNA Test if cell value is #N/A. TRUE/FALSE ISNONTEXT Test if cell is not text (blank cells are not text). TRUE/FALSE ISNUMBER Test if cell is a number. TRUE/FALSE ISODD Test if cell value is odd. TRUE/FALSE ISREF Test if cell value is a reference. TRUE/FALSE ISTEXT Test if cell is text. TRUE/FALSE N Converts a value to a number. NA Returns the error: #N/A. TYPE Returns the type of value in a cell. Math yes ABS Calculates the absolute value of a number. AGGREGATE Define and perform calculations for a database or a list. CEILING Rounds a number up, to the nearest specified multiple. COS Returns the cosine of an angle. DEGREES Converts radians to degrees. DSUM Sums database records that meet certain criteria. EVEN Rounds to the nearest even integer. EXP Calculates the exponential value for a given number. FACT Returns the factorial. FLOOR Rounds a number down, to the nearest specified multiple. GCD Returns the greatest common divisor. INT Rounds a number down to the nearest integer. LCM Returns the least common multiple. LN Returns the natural logarithm of a number. LOG Returns the logarithm of a number to a specified base. LOG10 Returns the base-10 logarithm of a number. MOD Returns the remainder after dividing. MROUND Rounds a number to a specified multiple. ODD Rounds to the nearest odd integer. PI The value of PI. POWER Calculates a number raised to a power. PRODUCT Multiplies an array of numbers. QUOTIENT Returns the integer result of division. RADIANS Converts an angle into radians. RAND Calculates a random number between 0 and 1. RANDBETWEEN Calculates a random number between two numbers. ROUND Rounds a number to a specified number of digits. ROUNDDOWN Rounds a number down (towards zero). ROUNDUP Rounds a number up (away from zero). SIGN Returns the sign of a number. SIN Returns the sine of an angle. SQRT Calculates the square root of a number. SUBTOTAL Returns a summary statistic for a series of data. SUM Adds numbers together. SUMIF Sums numbers that meet a criteria. SUMIFS Sums numbers that meet multiple criteria. SUMPRODUCT Multiplies arrays of numbers and sums the resultant array. TAN Returns the tangent of an angle. TRUNC Truncates a number to a specific number of digits. Stats yes AVERAGE Averages numbers. AVERAGEA Averages numbers. Includes text & FALSE =0, TRUE =1. AVERAGEIF Averages numbers that meet a criteria. AVERAGEIFS Averages numbers that meet multiple criteria. CORREL Calculates the correlation of two series. COUNT Counts cells that contain a number. COUNTA Count cells that are non-blank. COUNTBLANK Counts cells that are blank. COUNTIF Counts cells that meet a criteria. COUNTIFS Counts cells that meet multiple criteria. FORECAST Predict future y-values from linear trend line. FREQUENCY Counts values that fall within specified ranges. GROWTH Calculates Y values based on exponential growth. INTERCEPT Calculates the Y intercept for a best-fit line. LARGE Returns the kth largest value. LINEST Returns statistics about a trendline. MAX Returns the largest number. MEDIAN Returns the median number. MIN Returns the smallest number. MODE Returns the most common number. PERCENTILE Returns the kth percentile. PERCENTILE.INC Returns the kth percentile. Where k is inclusive. PERCENTILE.EXC Returns the kth percentile. Where k is exclusive. QUARTILE Returns the specified quartile value. QUARTILE.INC Returns the specified quartile value. Inclusive. QUARTILE.EXC Returns the specified quartile value. Exclusive. RANK Rank of a number within a series. RANK.AVG Rank of a number within a series. Averages. RANK.EQ Rank of a number within a series. Top Rank. SLOPE Calculates the slope from linear regression. SMALL Returns the kth smallest value. STDEV Calculates the standard deviation. STDEV.P Calculates the SD of an entire population. STDEV.S Calculates the SD of a sample. STDEVP Calculates the SD of an entire population TREND Calculates Y values based on a trendline. Text yes CHAR Returns a character specified by a code. CLEAN Removes all non-printable characters. CODE Returns the numeric code for a character. CONCATENATE Combines text together. DOLLAR Converts a number to text in currency format. EXACT Test if cells are exactly equal. Case-sensitive. TRUE/FALSE FIND Locates position of text within a cell.Case-sensitive. LEFT Truncates text a number of characters from the left. LEN Counts number of characters in text. LOWER Converts text to lower case. MID Extracts text from the middle of a cell. PROPER Converts text to proper case. REPLACE Replaces text based on it’s location. REPT Repeats text a number of times. RIGHT Truncates text a number of characters from the right. SEARCH Locates position of text within a cell.Not Case-sensitive. SUBSTITUTE Finds and replaces text. Case-sensitive. TEXT Converts a value into text with a specific number format. TRIM Removes all extra spaces from text. UPPER Converts text to upper case. VALUE Converts a number stored as text into a number.

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This Excel tutorial explains how to use the Excel LOOKUP function with syntax and examples.

Description

The Microsoft Excel LOOKUP function returns a value from a range (one row or one column) or from an array.

The LOOKUP function is a built-in function in Excel that is categorized as a Lookup/Reference Function. It can be used as a worksheet function (WS) in Excel. As a worksheet function, the LOOKUP function can be entered as part of a formula in a cell of a worksheet.

There are 2 different syntaxes for the LOOKUP function:

LOOKUP Function (Syntax #1)

In Syntax #1, the LOOKUP function searches for value in the lookup_range and returns the value in the result_range that is in the same position.

The syntax for the LOOKUP function in Microsoft Excel is:

LOOKUP( value, lookup_range, [result_range] )

Parameters or Arguments

value

The value to search for in the lookup_range.

lookup_range

A single row or single column of data that is sorted in ascending order. The LOOKUP function searches for value in this range.

result_range

Optional. It is a single row or single column of data that is the same size as the lookup_range. The LOOKUP function searches for the value in the lookup_range and returns the value from the same position in the result_range. If this parameter is omitted, it will return the first column of data.

Returns

The LOOKUP function returns any datatype such as a string, numeric, date, etc.
If the LOOKUP function can not find an exact match, it chooses the largest value in the lookup_range that is less than or equal to the value.
If the value is smaller than all of the values in the lookup_range, then the LOOKUP function will return #N/A.
If the values in the LOOKUP_range are not sorted in ascending order, the LOOKUP function will return the incorrect value.

Example (as Worksheet Function)

Let’s look at some Excel LOOKUP function examples and explore how to use the LOOKUP function as a worksheet function in Microsoft Excel:

Based on the Excel spreadsheet above, the following LOOKUP examples would return:

=LOOKUP(10251, A1:A6, B1:B6)
Result: "Pears"

=LOOKUP(10251, A1:A6)
Result: 10251

=LOOKUP(10246, A1:A6, B1:B6)
Result: #N/A

=LOOKUP(10248, A1:A6, B1:B6)
Result: "Apples"

LOOKUP Function (Syntax #2)

In Syntax #2, the LOOKUP function searches for the value in the first row or column of the array and returns the corresponding value in the last row or column of the array.

The syntax for the LOOKUP function in Microsoft Excel is:

LOOKUP( value, array )

Parameters or Arguments

value

The value to search for in the array. The values must be in ascending order.

array

An array of values that contains both the values to search for and return.

Returns

The LOOKUP function returns any datatype such as a string, numeric, date, etc.
If the LOOKUP function can not find an exact match, it chooses the largest value in the lookup_range that is less than or equal to the value.
If the value is smaller than all of the values in the lookup_range, then the LOOKUP function will return #N/A.
If the values in the array are not sorted in ascending order, the LOOKUP function will return the incorrect value.

Example (as Worksheet Function)

Let’s look at some Excel LOOKUP function examples and explore how to use the LOOKUP function as a worksheet function in Microsoft Excel:

=LOOKUP("T", {"s","t","u","v";10,11,12,13})
Result: 11

=LOOKUP("Tech on the Net", {"s","t","u","v";10,11,12,13})
Result: 11

=LOOKUP("t", {"s","t","u","v";"a","b","c","d"})
Result: "b"

=LOOKUP("r", {"s","t","u","v";"a","b","c","d"})
Result: #N/A

=LOOKUP(2, {1,2,3,4;511,512,513,514})
Result: 512

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: In Microsoft Excel, I have a table of data in cells A2:D5. I’ve tried to create a simple LOOKUP to find CB2 in the data, but it always returns 0. What am I doing wrong?

Answer: Using the LOOKUP function can sometimes be a bit tricky so let’s look at an example. Below we have a spreadsheet with the data that you described.

In cell F1, we’ve placed the following formula:

=LOOKUP("CB2",A2:A5,D2:D5)

And yes, even though CB2 exists in the data, the LOOKUP function returns 0.

Now, let’s explain what is happening. At first, it looks like the function isn’t finding CB2 in the list, but in fact, it is finding something else. Let’s fill in the empty cells in D3:D5 to explain better.

If we place the values TEST1, TEST2, TEST3 in cells D3, D4, 5, respectively, we can see that the LOOKUP function is in fact returning the value TEST2. So we ask ourselves, when we are looking up CB2 in the data and CB2 exists in the data, why is it returning the value for CB19? Good question. The LOOKUP function assumes that the data in column A is sorted in ascending order.

If you look closer at column A, it is not in fact sorted in ascending order. If we quickly sorted column A, it would look like this:

Now the LOOKUP function correctly returns 3A when it is looking up CB2 in the data.

To avoid these sorting problems with your data, we recommend using VLOOKUP function in this case. Let’s show you how we would do this. If we changed our formula below (but left our data in column A in the original sort order):

The following VLOOKUP formula would return the correct value of 3A.

=VLOOKUP("CB2",$A$2:$D$5,4,FALSE)

The VLOOKUP function does not require us to have the data sorted in ascending order since we used FALSE as the last parameter — which means that it is looking for an exact match.

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Question: I have the following LOOKUP formula:

=LOOKUP(C2,{"A","B","C","D","E","F","G","H","I","K","X","Z"}, {"1","2","3","4","5","6","7","8","9","10","12","1"})

I also need to add zero to the lookup vector and result vector. How do I do this?

Answer: Using numbers in Excel can be tricky, as you can enter them either as numeric or text values. Because of this, there are 2 possible solutions.

Numeric Solution

If you have entered your zero as a numeric value, then the following formula will work:

=LOOKUP(C2,{0,"A","B","C","D","E","F","G","H","I","K","X","Z"}, {0,"1","2","3","4","5","6","7","8","9","10","12","1"})

Text Solution

If you have entered your zero as a text value, then the following formula will work:

=LOOKUP(C2,{"0","A","B","C","D","E","F","G","H","I","K","X","Z"}, {"0","1","2","3","4","5","6","7","8","9","10","12","1"})

---

Question: For the following function in Microsoft Excel:

=LOOKUP(M14,Sheet2!A2:A2240,Sheet2!B2:B2240)

How do I get it to return a blank cell if the LOOKUP value (M14) is blank?

Answer: To check for a blank value in cell M14, you can use the IF function and ISBLANK function as follows:

=IF(ISBLANK(M14),"",LOOKUP(M14,Sheet2!A2:A2240,Sheet2!B2:B2240))

Now if the value in cell M14 is blank, the formula will return a blank. Otherwise it will perform the LOOKUP function as before.