Hey there, my fellow Google Sheets enthusiasts! Are you struggling to navigate through your data without breaking a sweat? Well, worry no more because I’ve got your back! In this article, I’m going to walk you through how to use the VLOOKUP function step by step, along with some nifty tips to make this function even more powerful. Get ready to become a true Google Sheets expert!
What is the VLOOKUP function in Google Sheets?
The VLOOKUP function allows you to quickly transfer data from one part of a spreadsheet to another by searching for information in one column based on a value you know in another column. Imagine having a massive table in Google Sheets with thousands of employee names and ID numbers, and you need to extract this information into another part of the spreadsheet, like an organizational chart or performance evaluations. Well, the VLOOKUP function is here to make your life easier!
Syntax and inputs of the VLOOKUP function
The VLOOKUP formula you need to use depends on how your data is organized in Google Sheets. If your data is consolidated in a single spreadsheet, you should use the following formula:
=VLOOKUP(search_key, range, index, [is_sorted])Here’s what each of these inputs means:
search_key: This is the value you’re looking for in your table.range: This is the area where you want to search for your value.index: This is the column number in the range you provided where your desired data is located.is_sorted: This tells the VLOOKUP function whether the data in the range is sorted (TRUE) or unsorted (FALSE).
If you have data across multiple spreadsheets, here’s what the formula would look like:
=VLOOKUP(search_key,<strong>SheetName</strong>!range, index, [is_sorted])In other words, right before the range, you need to add the name of the spreadsheet that contains the data you want to extract information from, followed by an exclamation mark.
How to use the VLOOKUP function in Google Sheets
Now, let’s get hands-on! I’m going to show you what the VLOOKUP function looks like in action using two basic data columns.
Let’s assume you had to use VLOOKUP in real life. You’d most likely be dealing with a much larger and complex dataset. But for the purpose of learning the function, I’ll present you with a very simple example involving a small list of fictional employees and ID numbers. Our goal is to find the ID number of a specific employee.
Follow these steps in the demonstration spreadsheet under the “Simple Example – FALSE” tab:
- Organize your data: Enter your data into the spreadsheet or locate an existing table (the data is already present in this spreadsheet).
- Select an output cell: Click on the cell where you want the information you’re searching for to appear. In our case, click on cell 23A.
- Enter the VLOOKUP function: Type the VLOOKUP function into this cell:
=VLOOKUP(search_key, range, index, [is_sorted]) - Enter the search value: Replace the search value with the name of the employee you’re looking for. In this example, we’ll search for Mia, so we want to enter A17 as the search value.
- Define the range of values: Next, replace the range with the cells that contain the data you want to search. In our case, our data is in columns A and B, so we need to replace the range with A:B.
- Define the index column: Then, replace the index with the column number that contains the data you’re looking for. To find the index column, count from the leftmost column. We need the ID number information, which is the second column from the left. So, we’ll enter 2 for the index.
- Determine the sorted value: In our example, the data is not sorted, so we need to use FALSE for
[is_sorted]. - Execute the function: Once you’ve entered all the inputs, press Enter. If you’ve done everything correctly, the function should return the value you were looking for. In our case, it returns Mia’s ID number: 123789.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now know how to use the VLOOKUP function in Google Sheets to quickly and effortlessly transfer data from one part of a spreadsheet to another. You’re ready to save time and make your work more efficient.
To learn more about the many other features of Google Sheets and how to automate your tasks, head over to Crawlan.com. You’ll find plenty of additional tips and tricks to make the most out of Google Sheets.
Now go forth and become a Google Sheets wizard, my friend! Happy crunching and analyzing!
