VLOOKUP Function: syntax, examples, mistakes and translation notes
Looks vertically in the first column of a table.
Syntax
=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup])
Arguments
lookup_value
Value to find in the first column.
table_array
Table whose first column contains the lookup key.
col_index_num
Column number within the table to return.
range_lookup
FALSE for exact match; TRUE/omitted for approximate matching.
Worked examples
=VLOOKUP(E2,A:C,3,FALSE)
Finds E2 in A and returns the same-row value from the third column of A:C.
=VLOOKUP(A2,Rates!A:B,2,TRUE)
Uses approximate matching for a sorted threshold table.
Practical tips
- Use FALSE when an exact match is required.
- Remember that the lookup key must be in the first column of table_array.
- XLOOKUP or INDEX/MATCH can be more flexible for new workbooks.
Common mistakes
- Leaving range_lookup omitted and accidentally using approximate match.
- Inserting columns and forgetting that col_index_num is a fixed position number.
Related functions
Frequently asked questions
What does VLOOKUP do?
Looks vertically in the first column of a table.
Why might a VLOOKUP formula return an unexpected result?
Leaving range_lookup omitted and accidentally using approximate match. Start by testing the smallest referenced range or condition independently before adding wrappers or fallbacks.
Check the complete formula
Function syntax is only one part of a working workbook. Paste the finished expression into the Formula Checker for structural warnings, the Formatter for readability or the Translator when a supported locale mapping is involved.
Testing note: examples are educational. Spreadsheet versions, locale settings, tables, named ranges and workbook data can change behavior, so validate important formulas with representative data.