In Excel, what do the VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP functions do and how do I use them?

In Microsoft Excel, both the VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP functions are powerful tools for searching and retrieving data within a spreadsheet. Let's explore each function and understand how to use them effectively.

VLOOKUP Function:

What does VLOOKUP do?

• Objective:

  • VLOOKUP, or Vertical Lookup, searches for a specific value in the first column of a table or range and retrieves related information from the same row.

• Syntax:

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

• Parameters:

  • lookup_value: The value to be searched in the first column of the table.
  • table_array: The range that contains the data to be searched.
  • col_index_num: The column number in the table from which to retrieve the value.
  • range_lookup: Optional. TRUE for an approximate match, FALSE for an exact match.

How to Use VLOOKUP:

1. Select the Cell:

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

2. Enter the Formula:

   • Type the VLOOKUP formula, including the required parameters.
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2. =VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup])

3. Press Enter:

   • Press Enter to execute the formula and obtain the result.

HLOOKUP Function:

What does HLOOKUP do?

• Objective:

  • HLOOKUP, or Horizontal Lookup, searches for a specific value in the first row of a table or range and retrieves related information from the same column.

• Syntax:

  excel

• =HLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, row_index_num, [range_lookup])

• Parameters:

  • lookup_value: The value to be searched in the first row of the table.
  • table_array: The range that contains the data to be searched.
  • row_index_num: The row number in the table from which to retrieve the value.
  • range_lookup: Optional. TRUE for an approximate match, FALSE for an exact match.

How to Use HLOOKUP:

1. Select the Cell:

   • Choose the cell where you want the result of the HLOOKUP formula to appear.

2. Enter the Formula:

   • Type the HLOOKUP formula, including the required parameters.
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