How to use the search function
In this article, we will teach you how to use the vLookup function in Excel. If you have ever needed to search and compare data in a sheet calculation, the VLookup function can be your best ally. With this feature, you can Find specific values in a column and get related information from other columns. Learning how to use this function will allow you to save time and simplify your tasks in Excel. Read on to discover how to get the most out of this powerful tool.
- Step by step -- How to Use the VSearch Function
- How to use The VLookup Function
The VLOOKUP function is a very useful tool in Excel that allows us to search for a specific value in a table and return a related result. Next, we explain Step by Step how to use this function:
- Step 1: Open the Excel program on your computer and create a new spreadsheet.
- Step 2: To use the VLOOKUP function, we need to have a table with one column containing the lookup values and an adjacent column containing the related values we want to find.
- Step 3: Write the data in the corresponding columns. For example, in column A you can have the names of the products and in column B the corresponding prices.
- Step 4: Once you have the table ready, select a cell where you want the result of the VLOOKUP function to appear.
- Step 5: Click the “Formulas” tab on the Excel toolbar.
- Step 6: In the “Search and References” group within the “Formulas” tab, select the “VLOOKUP” option.
- Step 7: A dialog box will open where you must enter the necessary data for the VLOOKUP function.
- Step 8: In the dialog box, enter the value you want to search for in the table. This value can be a reference to a cell or a value typed directly.
- Step 9: Next, enter the table range where the lookup values and related values are located. This can be by selecting the corresponding cells or by writing the reference to the table directly.
- Step 10: Then, enter the column number in the table where the related value you want to get is located. For example, if prices are in column B, enter the number 2.
- Step 11: Finally, you can specify whether you want an exact or approximate match. For most cases, the “TRUE” or “1” option works fine.
- Step 12: Click “OK” and the VLOOKUP function will find the related value corresponding to the value you are looking for.
- Step 13: The result of the VLOOKUP function will appear in the cell you selected previously.
Now that you know how to use the VLOOKUP function, you can apply it to your spreadsheets to search and find information more efficiently. Explore the possibilities that this useful Excel function offers you!
FAQ
What is the VLOOKUP function?
- The VLOOKUP function is a function of Microsoft Excel that is used to search for a specific value in a column and return a corresponding value in the same row.
How to use the VLOOKUP function in Excel?
- Open up Microsoft Excel.
- Select the cell where you want the result of the VLOOKUP function to appear.
- Write the formula =VLOOKUP(.
- Enter the value you want to search for in the first column of the table.
- Specifies the full range of the table where the search will be performed.
- Indicate the column number where the value is located that you want to obtain as a result.
- Specify whether you want the search to be exact or approximate.
- Close the parentheses and press Enter to get the result.
What are the arguments of the VLOOKUP function?
- Search_value: The value you want to search for.
- Table: the cell range where the search will be performed.
- Column_number: The column number in the table from which the corresponding value should be returned.
- Exact_match: An optional value that indicates whether to perform an exact or fuzzy search. The default value is TRUE (exact).
How to search for an exact value using the VLOOKUP function?
- Write the VLOOKUP function as =VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table, column_number, TRUE).
- Replace 'lookup_value' with the value you want to search for and 'table' with the range of cells where the search will be performed.
- Indicates the 'column_number' that contains the corresponding value that you want to Get.
- Enter 'TRUE' to perform an exact search.
How to find an approximate value using the VLOOKUP function?
- Write the VLOOKUP function as =VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table, column_number, FALSE).
- Replace 'lookup_value' with the value you want to search for and 'table' with the range of cells where the search will be performed.
- Indicates the 'column_number' that contains the corresponding value that you want to Get.
- Enter 'FALSE' to perform a fuzzy search.
What is the difference between an exact search and an approximate search?
- An exact search will return the value that exactly matches the searched value.
- A fuzzy search will return the value closest to, but less than or equal to, the searched value.
Can I use the VLOOKUP function in Google Sheets?
- No, the VLOOKUP function is specific to Microsoft Excel and is not available in Google Sheets.
How to solve common errors when using the VLOOKUP function?
- Make sure the searched value exists in the first column of the table.
- Verify that the table cell range is correctly specified.
- Check that the column number is valid and within the column range of the table.
Can I use the VLOOKUP function to search multiple columns?
- No, the VLOOKUP function only allows you to search in a specific column and return a corresponding value in that same column.
How can I combine the VLOOKUP function with other functions in Excel?
- You can use the VLOOKUP function in combination with functions like SUM, AVERAGE, or CONCATENATE to perform more complex calculations or create custom results.
- Write the VLOOKUP function inside another function and use the result of the VLOOKUP function as an argument to the additional function.
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