VLOOKUP formula in excel with an example

What is VLOOKUP?

the VLOOKUP formula is the very useful and popular formula in the excel. It makes easy for many difficult excel works.VLOOKUP finds the value by comparing with the first column of the table and provides the required value in the same row according to the index_number position.

First lets Undersant VLOOKUP Formula Structure and Important Parameters

The structure for the VLOOKUP function:


	=VLOOKUP( value, data table, index_number, [approximate_match] )

Parameters

VLOOKUP has Mainly four parameters. let’s understand them one by one.

Value

Value is the first component with which we compare data from the datasheet.

Data table

This is the part of the information from where we are going to browse data.

Index_number

This indicates the required data column serial number from the value.

Approximate_match/Exact match

For exact value, you need to select FALSE and for approximate match select TRUE.

Example

Steps to apply VLOOKUP function in excel.

1. Enter ” =VLOOKUP( ” in the excel sheet where you want to place formula.

2. Select lookup_value ” =VLOOKUP(F4, “. here I want to find employ name from Employ code. Hence lookup_value is employee code.

3. Select table_array ” =VLOOKUP(F4,A3:C14, ” from where you want to take data. Here I’m browsing Employee name from Data list.

4. Enter the column index number ” =VLOOKUP(F4,A3:C14,2, “. Here Column index number for employee name is 2(counting from Employ code).

5. Finally, enter False for Exact match ” =VLOOKUP(F4,A3:C14,2,FALSE) “

6. Let’s check the formula if it is working or not? I want to search the name of the Employee code EC104 and EC106.

Do it yourself

Try to find contact no of Employees by entering the following data

Lookup_value =employee code

table array = select the data List table.

column Index Number = 3

and select false for exact match.