How to Master the RECHERCHEH Function in Google Sheets

You’re about to discover the ultimate secret to extracting valuable information from complex data sets. In this article, I’ll show you how to use the powerful RECHERCHEH formula in Google Sheets. Get ready to sort specific values in one row and return a value in another row of the same column. Let’s dive into the details of this mighty function!

Unveiling the RECHERCHEH Formula in Google Sheets

To get started, here’s how you can use the RECHERCHEH formula in Google Sheets:

1. Type “=RECHERCHEH(” or navigate to “Insert” -> “Function” -> “Search” -> “RECHERCHEH”.
2. Select “Search_key” to define the specific item you want to search for.
3. Specify the “Range” to indicate the area where the function should search.
4. Enter the “Index” to determine which row the formula extracts data from.
5. Input “FALSE” or “TRUE” to control whether the formula matches exactly or finds the closest match.

Generic Formula Breakdown:

• Search_key: Search for a specific item.
• Range: The area where the function searches for the item. The top row should contain a keyword for the search.
• Index: The position of the row inside the selected range from which the formula extracts information.
• [Sorted]: Choose “FALSE” for an exact match or “TRUE” for the closest match. Leaving it blank is equivalent to “TRUE,” but we recommend using “FALSE” to avoid incorrect data extraction.

Let’s understand this better with an example. Suppose you’re a financial manager and have monthly income data per client, as shown in the image below. You want to sort the revenue amount of the “Cucumber Company” in April 2022.

• Enter “April 2022” as the “Search_key” in the formula.
• Ensure the “range” includes the row containing the “Search_key” as the top row and the row with the desired data (Cucumber’s data in this case).
• Set the “index” as 5, representing the row with Cucumber’s data within the selected range.
• Choose “FALSE” to extract only exact matches.

With the RECHERCHEH formula, you can quickly sort and extract specific data, saving you time and effort.

Troubleshooting the RECHERCHEH Formula

Sometimes, the RECHERCHEH formula may not work as expected. Here are some common mistakes and solutions:

1. Incorrect positioning: Ensure the row with the “Search_key” is at the top or included in the selected range.
2. Missing data: Make sure the range includes the row you want to extract data from.
3. Invalid search: If you use “FALSE” in the formula and the “Search_key” doesn’t exist, the formula returns an error.
4. Updated data: After inserting rows in the table, check and update the index number accordingly.
5. Duplicates: Remove any duplicate values in the “Search_key” row to prevent extraction issues.
6. Avoid typos: Be mindful of typos when entering the “Search_key” value.

By addressing these potential problems, you’ll ensure smooth execution of the RECHERCHEH formula.

RECHERCHEV vs. RECHERCHEH: Spotting the Difference

You may wonder about the difference between RECHERCHEV and RECHERCHEH functions. Let’s clarify:

• The RECHERCHEV formula searches for items in a long vertical table.
• The RECHERCHEH function sorts data in a long horizontal table.

The key distinction lies in the direction of the search. While RECHERCHEV looks in the leftmost column for the “Search_key,” RECHERCHEH scans the topmost column in each selected range.

Expanding Your Google Sheets Repertoire

If you want to supercharge your Google Sheets skills, consider learning about the combination of RECHERCHEV and RECHERCHEH functions. Here are two formula patterns to explore:

1. RECHERCHEH in RECHERCHEV: Incorporate RECHERCHEH within the RECHERCHEV formula. This technique works best when your target row is just below the topmost column in the selected range.

2. RECHERCHEV in RECHERCHEH: Integrate RECHERCHEV into the RECHERCHEH formula. To use this pattern, add an extra column for RECHERCHEH’s index number next to the leftmost column.

By mastering these combined functions, you gain more flexibility and versatility in handling data tables.

Explore Alternatives to RECHERCHEH

If you’re seeking alternatives to the RECHERCHEH formula, you can try using the INDEX and MATCH functions. These functions offer even more flexibility and adaptability.

Another option is the XLOOKUP formula. Understand how to leverage the XLOOKUP function through this article: XLOOKUP – Google Sheets: Explained.

Here’s a quick explanation of the INDEX and MATCH functions:

The Combination of INDEX and MATCH Functions

In this combination, MATCH functions guide the INDEX function. Specify the entire range where you’re searching, and MATCH functions determine the position of the target row and column. The INDEX function then extracts the desired value at those coordinates.

Advantages of this alternative method include:

1. Applying formulas to existing tables without modifying the format.
2. No need to update formulas when adjusting the table (adding new columns or rows) within the selected range.

With the INDEX and MATCH functions, you leverage greater flexibility in managing your data tables.

Now that you possess the secrets of the RECHERCHEH formula, you’re well on your way to becoming a Google Sheets expert. For more tips and tricks, check out Crawlan.com.

Happy Sheets-ing!