VLOOKUP is a function in Excel that allows users to search for certain values in a table or range of data and retrieve a corresponding value from the same row. It stands for "Vertical Lookup" because it searches vertically down a column of data.The syntax of the VLOOKUP function is as follows:=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup])Where:
- lookup_value: This is the value you want to look up in the left-most column of the table or range. It can be a value, text string, or cell reference.
- table_array: This is the range of cells that contains the table or data range you want to search through. The table should have at least two columns, with the lookup value in the left-most column.
- col_index_num: This is the column number in the table_array from which you want to retrieve the corresponding value. The left-most column in the table_array is considered column number 1.
- range_lookup (optional): This is a logical value that specifies whether you want an exact match or an approximate match. If set to TRUE or omitted, it will perform an approximate match using the closest value. If set to FALSE, it will only find an exact match.Here's an example of how to use the VLOOKUP function:Suppose you have a table with employee names and their corresponding salaries. You want to find the salary of a specific employee based on their name. 1. Start by selecting a cell where you want to display the result.
2. Type the following formula:
=VLOOKUP("John", A1:B6, 2, FALSE)
- "John" is the lookup value (employee name).
- A1:B6 is the range of cells that contains the table data.
- 2 is the column number (salary is in the second column of the table).
- FALSE specifies an exact match.
3. Press Enter to get the result, which would be the salary of John.Make sure to adjust the formula based on your specific table and desired requirements.
