XLOOKUP is a powerful function in Excel that allows you to search for a value in a table and return a value from a corresponding column. It’s an improvement over the traditional VLOOKUP and INDEX-MATCH functions, and can be used to perform lookups in a fraction of the time. In this article, we’ll show you how to use XLOOKUP to speed up your lookups and improve your workflow.
What is XLOOKUP?
XLOOKUP is a function that takes five arguments:
- Range or array of values to search (lookup value)
- Range or array of corresponding values to return (return array)
- Optional: If the lookup value is not found, return this value instead (if_not_found)
- Optional: Match type to use (match_mode)
- Optional: Match options (search_mode)
The syntax for XLOOKUP is as follows:
XLOOKUP(lookup_value, return_array, [if_not_found], [match_mode], [search_mode])Step-by-Step Guide to Using XLOOKUP
To get started with XLOOKUP, follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare Your Data
First, you need to prepare your data by creating a table with two columns: one for the lookup values and one for the corresponding values you want to return.
Employee ID
Employee Name
101
John Doe
102
Jane Smith
103
Bob Johnson
Step 2: Write Your XLOOKUP Formula
Next, write your XLOOKUP formula in the cell where you want to return the result. The formula should be structured as follows:
=XLOOKUP(A2, Employee, Employee Name, "", EXACT)In this formula:
* `A2` is the lookup value (the value you want to search for)
* `Employee` is the range or array of values to search (the table you created in Step 1)
* `Employee Name` is the range or array of corresponding values to return (the second column in the table)
* `””` is the if_not_found value (optional), which will return a blank cell if the lookup value is not found
* `EXACT` is the match mode (optional), which will match the lookup value exactly
Step 3: Adjust Your Formula as Needed
If you need to adjust your formula, you can do so by changing the lookup value, the range or array of values to search, or the range or array of corresponding values to return. You can also use different match modes or search options depending on your specific needs.
=XLOOKUP(A3, Employee, Employee Name, "Not Found", APPROXIMATE)In this formula:
* `A3` is the new lookup value
* The `Employee` range remains the same
* The `Employee Name` range remains the same
* `”Not Found”` is the new if_not_found value (optional), which will return the text “Not Found” if the lookup value is not found
* `APPROXIMATE` is the new match mode (optional), which will match the lookup value approximately
Benefits of Using XLOOKUP
XLOOKUP offers several benefits over traditional VLOOKUP and INDEX-MATCH functions:
- Faster lookups: XLOOKUP is up to 100 times faster than VLOOKUP and INDEX-MATCH for large datasets.
- More flexible: XLOOKUP allows you to use different match modes and search options, making it more versatile than VLOOKUP and INDEX-MATCH.
- Easier to use: XLOOKUP has a simpler syntax than INDEX-MATCH, making it easier to learn and use.
Conclusion
XLOOKUP is a powerful and versatile function that can be used to perform lookups in Excel. With its faster lookup speeds, more flexible syntax, and ease of use, XLOOKUP is a great tool to have in your Excel toolkit. In this article, we’ve shown you how to use XLOOKUP to speed up your lookups and improve your workflow. With a little practice, you’ll be able to master XLOOKUP and take your Excel skills to the next level.
FAQs
Q: What is the syntax for XLOOKUP?
A: The syntax for XLOOKUP is `XLOOKUP(lookup_value, return_array, [if_not_found], [match_mode], [search_mode])`
Q: How does XLOOKUP compare to VLOOKUP and INDEX-MATCH?
A: XLOOKUP is faster and more flexible than VLOOKUP and INDEX-MATCH. It allows for more options and is easier to use.
Q: Can I use XLOOKUP with large datasets?
A: Yes, XLOOKUP can handle large datasets with ease. It’s up to 100 times faster than VLOOKUP and INDEX-MATCH for large datasets.
Q: How do I use XLOOKUP with multiple conditions?
A: XLOOKUP allows you to use multiple conditions using the `IF` function. For example, `=XLOOKUP(A2, Employee, Employee Name, “”, EXACT)*IF(B2>10, “Yes”, “No”)`
Q: Is XLOOKUP available in all versions of Excel?
A: XLOOKUP is available in Excel 2019 and later versions. It’s not available in earlier versions of Excel.
Q: Can I use XLOOKUP with pivot tables?
A: Yes, XLOOKUP can be used with pivot tables. Simply create a new column in your pivot table and use the XLOOKUP function in the formula bar.