Top 7 LOOKUP Functions in Excel

Introduction

Excel’s LOOKUP capabilities are essential tools for data analysis because they let users quickly find and retrieve data from big databases. These functions boost productivity for various tasks, from straightforward lookups to intricate data management. This article will examine Excel’s most popular LOOKUP functions.

What are LOOKUP Functions in Excel?

Excel’s LOOKUP functions look for and get data from tables according to particular criteria. They are crucial instruments for data analysis. Furthermore, they make it possible for users to locate and get data from huge databases quickly.

Also Read: 30 Basic Excel Formulas for Everyone

Top LOOKUP Functions in Excel

1. LOOKUP Function

Excel’s LOOKUP function is useful for finding a value inside a range or array. There are two types of it: array and vector.

Syntax:

=LOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_vector, [result_vector])

Example:  The LOOKUP function may locate the name linked to a certain ID. If you have a list of employee IDs in column A and their corresponding names in column B, the result will be the ID that you are looking for.

=LOOKUP(A15,$A$1:$A$11,$C$1:$C$11)

2. VLOOKUP Function

Excel’s most frequently used function is the VLOOKUP function. It retrieves a value from another column in the same row after looking for a value in the first column of a range.

Syntax:

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

Example: To find the City of a customer in the Sales table using the CustomerID:

=VLOOKUP(A15,$A$1:$C$11,3,0)

Also Read: VLOOKUP in Excel: Formula, How to Use, Examples & More

3. HLOOKUP Function

The HLOOKUP function is another LOOKUP function in Excel. After searching the top row of a range for a given value, it retrieves a value from a different row in the same column.

Syntax:

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

Example: Assuming the Customers table is transposed horizontally (customer data in rows):

=HLOOKUP(F8,$F$1:$P$4,3,0)

Learn More: HLOOKUP in Excel & Google Sheets

4. XLOOKUP Function

XLOOKUP was created to replace VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP. It has improved features, and it is more powerful and versatile.

Syntax:

=XLOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_array, return_array, [if_not_found], [match_mode], [search_mode])

Example: To find the city of an customer’s Name using their ID from a table where IDs are in column A and Name in column B:

=XLOOKUP(A15,$A$1:$A$11,$B$1:$B$11)

5. INDEX and MATCH

Another alternative for VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP is the combination of INDEX and MATCH. This LOOKUP Function in Excel can search up values both horizontally and vertically. Thus providing greater versatility.

Syntax:

=INDEX(return_range, MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_range, [match_type]))

Example: To find the City for a given CustomerID using INDEX and MATCH:

=INDEX(A1:C11,MATCH(A15,A1:A11,0),match(B14,A1:D1,0))

6. CHOOSE Function

The CHOOSE function returns a value from a list of values based on an index number.

Syntax:

=CHOOSE(index_num, value1, [value2], ...)

Example: To return the name of the country based on its number:

=CHOOSE(5,C2,C3,C4,C5,C6,C7,C8,C9,C10,C11)

Advantages and Disadvantages

Let us now look at some advantages and disadvantages of LOOKUP Functions in Excel.

Advantages

• Efficiency: Quickly find and retrieve data.
• Versatility: Perform both vertical and horizontal lookups.
• Automation: Reduce manual data search efforts.
• Flexibility: Advanced functions like XLOOKUP and INDEX/MATCH offer robust, flexible lookup capabilities.

Disadvantages

• Complexity: Functions like INDEX/MATCH can be complex for beginners.
• Static Data: Lookups can fail if data changes and ranges are not updated.
• Performance: Large datasets can slow down performance.

Application of LOOKUP Functions

• Data Validation: Ensuring data accuracy by cross-referencing with other tables.
• Dynamic Reporting: Creating dynamic reports and dashboards.
• Database Management: Efficiently manage and query large datasets.
• Financial Analysis: Retrieving financial data for analysis and forecasting.

Also Read: 80+ Excel Shortcuts That You Should Know in 2024

Conclusion

Knowledge of and proficiency with Excel’s LOOKUP features can significantly improve your data analysis and management skills. Learning to use these functions may change how you deal with data, from simple searches with LOOKUP and VLOOKUP to more complex methods with INDEX/MATCH and XLOOKUP. This will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of procedures. These operations provide the versatility and strength to perform various activities, whether managing massive databases, generating dynamic reports, or verifying data.

To learn more about Excel, sign in to Analytics Vidhya’s free course on Microsoft Excel formulas and functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yana Khare

A 23-year-old, pursuing her Master's in English, an avid reader, and a melophile. My all-time favorite quote is by Albus Dumbledore - "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one remembers to turn on the light."