How do I apply the Vlookup in Excel?

As an experienced tutor registered on UrbanPro.com, specializing in Microsoft Excel Training & Coaching, let me guide you through the steps of applying the VLOOKUP function for efficient data retrieval.

**1. Identify the Purpose:

• Objective:
  • Clearly define the purpose of using VLOOKUP. Know what specific information you want to retrieve from your dataset.

**2. Prepare Your Data:

• Organize Tables:

  • Ensure that your data is organized in a table format, with a clear structure containing the lookup value and the associated information.

• Common Field:

  • Identify a common field (e.g., ID or name) that is present in both the table containing the lookup value and the table from which you want to retrieve information.

**3. Select the Cell for the Result:

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

**4. Start the Formula:

• Type Equal Sign:
  • Begin by typing the equal sign (=) in the selected cell to initiate the formula.

**5. Type "VLOOKUP":

• Enter VLOOKUP Function:

  • Type "VLOOKUP" in capital letters, followed by an open parenthesis.
  excel

• =VLOOKUP(

**6. Enter Lookup Value:

• Specify Lookup Value:

  • Enter the value you want to search for in the first column of the table.
  excel

• =VLOOKUP(lookup_value,

**7. Define Table Array:

• Specify Table Array:

  • Indicate the range that contains the data you want to search through.
  excel

• =VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array,

**8. Set Column Index Number:

• Specify Column Index Number:

  • Indicate the column number from which to retrieve the value.
  excel

• =VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num,

**9. Choose Range Lookup Option:

• Specify Range Lookup:

  • Decide whether you want an exact match (FALSE) or an approximate match (TRUE).
  excel

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

**10. Close Parenthesis and Press Enter:

• Complete the Formula:

  • Close the parenthesis and press Enter to execute the formula.
  excel