Learn VLOOKUP with Free Lessons & Tips

In Microsoft Excel, both the VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP functions are powerful tools for searching and retrieving data within a spreadsheet. Let's explore each function and understand how to use them effectively.

VLOOKUP Function:

What does VLOOKUP do?

• Objective:

  • VLOOKUP, or Vertical Lookup, searches for a specific value in the first column of a table or range and retrieves related information from the same row.

• Syntax:

  excel

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

• Parameters:

  • lookup_value: The value to be searched in the first column of the table.
  • table_array: The range that contains the data to be searched.
  • col_index_num: The column number in the table from which to retrieve the value.
  • range_lookup: Optional. TRUE for an approximate match, FALSE for an exact match.

How to Use VLOOKUP:

1. Select the Cell:

   • Choose the cell where you want the result of the VLOOKUP formula to appear.

2. Enter the Formula:

   • Type the VLOOKUP formula, including the required parameters.
   excel

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

3. Press Enter:

   • Press Enter to execute the formula and obtain the result.

HLOOKUP Function:

What does HLOOKUP do?

• Objective:

  • HLOOKUP, or Horizontal Lookup, searches for a specific value in the first row of a table or range and retrieves related information from the same column.

• Syntax:

  excel

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

• Parameters:

  • lookup_value: The value to be searched in the first row of the table.
  • table_array: The range that contains the data to be searched.
  • row_index_num: The row number in the table from which to retrieve the value.
  • range_lookup: Optional. TRUE for an approximate match, FALSE for an exact match.

How to Use HLOOKUP:

1. Select the Cell:

   • Choose the cell where you want the result of the HLOOKUP formula to appear.

2. Enter the Formula:

   • Type the HLOOKUP formula, including the required parameters.
   excel

As an experienced tutor registered on UrbanPro.com, specializing in Microsoft Excel Training & Coaching, let's walk through the steps of creating a VLOOKUP formula to enhance your Excel skills.

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating a VLOOKUP Formula

1. Select the Cell for the Result:

• Choose the cell where you want the result of the VLOOKUP formula to appear.

2. Start the Formula:

• Begin by typing the equal sign (=) to initiate the formula.

3. Type "VLOOKUP":

• Enter the VLOOKUP function followed by an open parenthesis.

  excel

• =VLOOKUP(

4. Enter the Lookup Value:

• Specify the value you want to search for in the first column of the table. This is the value you want to match.

  excel

• =VLOOKUP(lookup_value,

5. Define the Table Array:

• Identify the range that contains the data you want to search through. This is the table where Excel will look for the specified value.

  excel

• =VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array,

6. Set the Column Index Number:

• Indicate the column number from which to retrieve the value. This is the column where Excel should find the associated information.

  excel

• =VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num,

7. Choose Range Lookup Option:

• Decide whether you want an exact match (FALSE) or an approximate match (TRUE). If unsure, you can use FALSE for an exact match.

  excel

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

8. Close the Parenthesis and Press Enter:

• Complete the formula by closing the parenthesis and pressing Enter.

  excel

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

Example:

Let's say you have a table of employee data in cells A1 to C5, and you want to look up the department of an employee with ID "101". The formula would look like this:

As an experienced tutor registered on UrbanPro.com, I understand the significance of Microsoft Excel in data analysis. Moving from Excel to R involves learning the R equivalent of functions like VLOOKUP. Let's explore the R alternative for VLOOKUP and how UrbanPro.com can assist you in mastering these skills through Microsoft Excel Training coaching.

R Equivalent of VLOOKUP - Using merge() Function

1. Understanding merge() in R

• Functionality: The merge() function in R is equivalent to VLOOKUP in Excel, allowing you to combine datasets based on a common column.

2. Syntax Comparison: VLOOKUP vs. merge()

• VLOOKUP Syntax (Excel):

  excel

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

• merge() Syntax (R):

  r