If the first column is not sorted, the return value can be wrong.Įither sort the first column of the table_array, or use FALSE for an exact match. If range_lookup is TRUE or left out, the first column of the table_array needs to be sorted alphabetically or numerically. If you want to find an actual question mark or asterisk, type a tilde (~) in front of the character. An asterisk matches any sequence of characters. A question mark matches any single character. If range_lookup is FALSE and lookup_value is text, you can use the wildcard characters-the question mark (?) and the asterisk (*)-in lookup_value. Otherwise, VLOOKUP might return an incorrect or unexpected value. Our industry leading focus is on advanced data visualization in the Microsoft applications, with our top Microsoft Excel MVP’s integrating and automating Microsoft Excel workbooks. At Get Excel Help, we assist companies in harnessing the power of Microsoft Excel to get their work done, fast, efficiently and most accurately. When searching number or date values, ensure that the data in the first column of table_array is not stored as text values. Get Affordable Excel VLookup Function Help Starting at just 25. Use absolute references for range_lookup as it allows you to fill-down a formula so that it always looks at the same exact lookup range. This is the default method if you do not specify one.įALSE searches for the exact value in the first column. TRUE assumes the first column in the table is sorted either numerically or alphabetically, and will then search for the closest value. The column number (starting with 1 for the left-most column of table-array) that contains the return value.Ī logical value that specifies whether you want VLOOKUP to find an exact match or an approximate match − The cell range also needs to include the return value you want to find. The first column in the cell range must contain the lookup_value. The range of cells in which the VLOOKUP will search for the lookup_value and the return value. Lookup_value can be a value or a reference to a cell. The value you want to look up must be in the first column of the range of cells you specify in table_array. VLOOKUP (lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, ) Organize your data so that the value you look up is to the left of the return value you want to find. Use VLOOKUP when you need to find things in a table or a range by row.