The three primary rules or requirements for the Excel VLOOKUP function to work correctly are:
VLOOKUP() with a helper column. If you need to use a VLOOKUP() with multiple criteria, you can use a helper column to combine multiple criteria into a single criterion.
So without further ado, let's dive into the six most common reasons why your VLOOKUP is giving you #N/A and how to resolve them!
Use the VLOOKUP function to look up a value in a table. For example: =VLOOKUP(A2,A10:C20,2,TRUE) =VLOOKUP("Fontana",B2:E7,2,FALSE)
VLOOKUP is a function that searches for the value you specify. The result returns a matching value from another column. To be more technical, you choose a range, and VLOOKUP looks up the value in the first column. The result it returns is a value from the same row of another column.
The 7 basic Excel formulas, essential for any beginner, include SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, COUNTA, IF, MAX, and MIN, which handle totaling, finding the mean, counting numeric/non-blank cells, applying logic, and identifying extremes within data sets, with AutoSum being a shortcut for SUM and TRIM useful for text cleaning, making these foundational tools for quick data analysis.
Incorrect value types
The lookup value and the source data are different data types. For example, you try to have VLOOKUP reference a number, but the source data is stored as text. Solution: Ensure that the data types are the same.
VLOOKUP Cannot Look to its Left
A limitation of the VLOOKUP function is that it cannot look to its left. It will look down the leftmost column of a table and return information from the right.
Syntax. The XLOOKUP function searches a range or an array, and then returns the item corresponding to the first match it finds. If no match exists, then XLOOKUP can return the closest (approximate) match. *If omitted, XLOOKUP returns blank cells it finds in lookup_array.
VLOOKUP is an extremely useful tool, and learning how to use it is easier than you think! Before you start, you should understand the basics of functions. Check out our Functions lesson from our Excel Formulas tutorial (or select a specific version of Excel).
To put three conditions in an IF formula in Excel, you can use nested IF functions, or use the IFS function instead. To nest multiple IF functions, use the following format =IF(logical_test1, IF(logical_test2, IF(logical_test3,…),…),…).
Enter VLOOKUP Formula: The basic syntax of the VLOOKUP formula is =VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup]) .
=VLOOKUP(B2,C2:E7,3,TRUE)
This argument can be a cell reference, or a fixed value such as "smith" or 21,000. The second argument is the range of cells, C2-:E7, in which to search for the value you want to find. The third argument is the column in that range of cells that contains the value that you seek.
To perform an INDEX MATCH with multiple criteria in Excel, simply use an ampersand (&) to place multiple references in your lookup value and lookup array inputs in the MATCH formula.
When you create a VLOOKUP or HLOOKUP function, you enter a range of cells, such as D2:F39. That range is called the table_array argument, and an argument is simply a piece of data that a function needs in order to run. In this case, the function searches those cells for the data you're trying to find.
One of the most significant limitations of Excel VLOOKUP is that it cannot look to its left. Consequently, a lookup column should always be the leftmost column in the table array. In practice, we often forget about this and end up with #N/A errors.
What is INDEX MATCH? The superior alternative to VLOOKUP is INDEX MATCH. While VLOOKUP works fine in most cases, it tends to reveal flaws when you start using it in large and complex sheets. The INDEX MATCH formula is actually two different functions; INDEX and MATCH.
How to use the formula to Vlookup across sheets
Excel's Golden Rule: 1) If a formula input can change, put it into a cell and refer to it in the formula with a cell reference. If it will not change, you can type it into a formula. ALWAYS LABEL YOUR FORMULA INPUTS!
F1 Displays the Excel Help task pane. F2 Edits the selective cell. F3 Displays the Paste Name dialog box. F4 Repeats the last command or action, if possible.