XLOOKUP for Multiple Column Results in Google Sheets

GiGiKing·March 14, 2024·0 comments

Are you struggling to fetch results spanning multiple columns and rows in Google Sheets using XLOOKUP? Look no further! In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to overcome the limitations of XLOOKUP and make it even more versatile. Get ready to unleash the power of XLOOKUP and take your spreadsheets to the next level!

XLOOKUP: Multiple Column Results with MAP in Google Sheets

Before we dive into the solution, let’s understand the challenge. XLOOKUP is a fantastic tool for retrieving multiple column results. However, it can only handle a single search key at a time. So, what can we do when we have multiple search keys organized in a column? The answer lies in using the MAP lambda function.

Imagine you have a three-column table in Google Sheets containing employee names, salaries, and departments. Suppose the range is B2:D7, where B2:D2 contains the labels “Employee,” “Salary,” and “Department.” To look up an employee’s name in cell F3 and return both their salary and department, use the following XLOOKUP formula in cell H3:

=XLOOKUP(F3, B3:B7, C3:D7)

But what if you have employee names in both F3 and F4? Using an array formula won’t yield the desired result. Fear not! We can use the MAP function with XLOOKUP to obtain multiple-column results. Here’s the formula you need:

=MAP(F3:F4, LAMBDA(val, XLOOKUP(val, B3:B7, C3:D7)))

Within MAP, we specify the search key range to iterate over each value. Each value is represented by val. In the XLOOKUP function, we replace F3:F4 with val to dynamically reference the varying search key range. It’s that simple!

XLOOKUP: Multiple Column Results with BYCOL in Google Sheets

Now, let’s explore an alternative approach using the BYCOL function. This method involves iterating over each column in a 2D array and is particularly useful when dealing with larger datasets. Here’s how to do it:

=ArrayFormula(BYCOL(C3:D7, LAMBDA(col, XLOOKUP(F3:F4, B3:B7, col))))

The BYCOL function employs the result range C3:D7 and iterates over each column, represented by col. In the XLOOKUP function, we use col instead of the result range C3:D7. Note that ARRAYFORMULA support is required when using XLOOKUP with multiple search keys in a single-column result range.

BYCOL vs. MAP for XLOOKUP Array Result: Making the Right Choice

When it comes to choosing between BYCOL and MAP for XLOOKUP array results, there are a few factors to consider. While both options are Lambda helper functions, each can impact spreadsheet performance differently. Here’s a general guideline to help you make the right choice:

If you have a smaller number of search keys compared to the number of rows in the lookup range, opt for MAP.
For a larger number of search keys, consider using BYCOL.

Ultimately, the most efficient function depends on your specific data and needs. Experiment with both methods to determine what works best for you!

Why Shouldn’t We Consider Alternatives to XLOOKUP for Multiple Column Results?

You might be wondering why we don’t explore alternatives like FILTER or QUERY for looking up multiple search keys and returning multiple-column results. The main reason is the unmatched capabilities of XLOOKUP.

XLOOKUP allows you to search from the first value to the last value and vice versa. It can perform exact matches and approximate matches, giving you maximum flexibility. Moreover, XLOOKUP leaves placeholders or #N/A when there are missing values, which is not possible with FILTER or QUERY.

While there are alternative formulas using XMATCH, they have their drawbacks. One such formula is the CHOOSEROWS function, which can be used as an alternative to XLOOKUP for multiple-column results. However, it lacks the ability to handle missing values effectively. You can learn more about it in my CHOOSEROWS function guide.

In conclusion, XLOOKUP is the go-to solution for fetching multiple-column results in Google Sheets due to its unmatched capabilities and flexibility.

Resources

If you’re eager to explore more XLOOKUP tutorials, be sure to visit Crawlan.com. We have an expanding collection of informative guides to help you master the art of using XLOOKUP for various scenarios. Here are a few articles to get you started: