Function reference

VLOOKUP in Excel & Google Sheets

VLOOKUP is used in 1 formula pattern in this library. Browse worked examples below, or use the generator to build a custom variation for your specific data.

1 intermediateBuild a custom VLOOKUP formula →

When to use VLOOKUP

Return a region, owner, or status from a lookup table when you already have a shared key like an order ID.

Worked examples (1)

Lookup & Referenceintermediate

VLOOKUP to match two columns

=VLOOKUP(A2,$F$2:$G$8,2,FALSE)

Open formula VLOOKUP reference

Common errors with VLOOKUP

#N/A error

This usually means the lookup value in A2 does not exist in the first column of the lookup table or the values do not match exactly.

Wrong column returned

Make sure the third argument points to the correct column index inside the selected table array.

Frequently asked questions

Why use FALSE in VLOOKUP?

FALSE forces an exact match, which is almost always what you want for IDs, invoice numbers, and other lookup keys.

Need a custom variation?

Describe your specific VLOOKUP problem and get a formula written for your exact data.

Open generator with VLOOKUP