What is VLOOKUP?

VLOOKUP is a powerful Excel function that allows you to search for a specific value in a table and retrieve corresponding information from that table. It stands for "Vertical Lookup."

Step 1: Set Up Your Data

Before using VLOOKUP, make sure you have organized your data effectively. For example, you might have a table with two columns: one with the values you want to look up, and another with the corresponding information you want to retrieve.

Here's an example:

Step 2: Understand the VLOOKUP Syntax

The basic syntax of VLOOKUP is as follows:

=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup])

lookup_value: The value you want to look up.

table_array: The range of cells containing the data.

col_index_num: The column number from which to retrieve the data.

range_lookup: A logical value indicating whether to find an exact match (FALSE) or an approximate match (TRUE).

Step 3: Apply VLOOKUP

Let's say you want to find the name of the student with ID 103.

Select the cell where you want the result to appear.

Type the following formula:

=VLOOKUP(103, A2:B5, 2, FALSE)Here's what each part of the formula means:

103: The value you want to look up (Student ID).

A2:B5: The range of cells containing the data (Student ID and Student Name columns).

2: The column number from which to retrieve the data (Student Name is in the second column).

FALSE: To find an exact match.

Step 4: Press Enter

After typing the formula, press Enter. The cell will display the corresponding student name.

Tips:

Ensure that your data is sorted in ascending order if you're using an approximate match (TRUE).

If the lookup value is not found, VLOOKUP will return an error. You can use the IFERROR function to handle this.

That's it! You've successfully used VLOOKUP in Excel. As you become more comfortable, you can explore advanced features and applications of the VLOOKUP function.