Are you tired of manually adjusting the index column number every time you delete or add new columns in your Vlookup formula in Google Sheets? Well, worry no more! In this article, I will share with you a simple trick to create a dynamic index column in Vlookup that will save you time and effort. Let’s dive in!
Tips to Get Dynamic Index Column in Vlookup in Google Sheets
Before we get into the details, let me give you a quick overview of what we’re going to cover. We’ll explore two methods to achieve a dynamic index column in Vlookup. Both methods are equally effective, so you can choose the one that suits your preference.
Method 1: Freeze the Index Column Number
The first method involves creating a virtual array (Vlookup range) and freezing the index column number. This means that regardless of the column position or index number, the index column number will always remain the same.
For example, let’s say you have a 5-column dataset and you want to return a value from column 3 based on a lookup in column A. By freezing the third column as your index column, you ensure that even if you insert or delete new columns, the index column number will remain constant. This brings dynamism to the index column number in your Vlookup formula.
Method 2: Use the Columns Function as the Index Number
The second method involves using the Columns function as the index number in your Vlookup formula. The Columns function counts the number of columns between two specified ranges and returns the count as the index number.
By using the Columns function, you can adjust the Vlookup index column dynamically when you insert or delete new columns in the range. This ensures that your index column remains accurate and up-to-date, regardless of any changes in the dataset.
Now that you have a clear understanding of the two methods, let’s see how they work in practice.
Dynamic Index Column Formulas
Formula 1: Using the Columns Function
To create a dynamic index column in Vlookup using the Columns function, follow this formula:
=vlookup("Patrick", A2:G7, columns(A2:C7), FALSE)In this formula, the Columns function counts the columns from A to C and returns the number three, which becomes the column index number in your Vlookup. This ensures that even if you insert or add new rows between A to C, the column index number will change dynamically.
Formula 2: Using a Modified Range
Alternatively, you can create a dynamic index column in Vlookup by modifying the range in your formula. Here’s how:
=vlookup("Patrick", {A2:A7, C2:E7}, 2, FALSE)In this formula, the lookup range includes only the first column (A2:A7) and the range starting from the index column (C2:E7). By excluding the columns between column A and C, you ensure that any new columns inserted or deleted will not affect the column index number.
Conclusion
And there you have it! These are the two easiest solutions to create a dynamic index column in Vlookup in Google Sheets. By following these methods, you can save time and eliminate the hassle of manually adjusting the index column number.
Of course, you can also use Index-Match as an alternative, but Vlookup remains the best and easiest method to achieve a dynamic index column.
For more Google Sheets tips and tricks, don’t forget to visit Crawlan.com. Stay tuned for more exciting articles!
