Question

Write the steps to use the VLOOKUP function to find data in a large spreadsheet.

Hint:

Remember order: Lookup value → Table range → Column number → Exact/Approx match.

Answer 1

Concept: VLOOKUP Function

VLOOKUP (Vertical Lookup) is used in MS Excel to search for a value in the first column of a table and return corresponding data from another column.

Syntax

=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup])
 

Step 1: Organize Your Data

• Ensure the lookup value is in the first column of the table.
• Arrange data in a clear tabular format.

 

Step 2: Select the Cell for Result

Click the cell where you want the lookup result to appear.

 

Step 3: Enter the VLOOKUP Formula

Example:

=VLOOKUP(A2, B2:D100, 2, FALSE)

Argument	Meaning
A2	Lookup value
B2:D100	Table range
2	Column number to return value from
FALSE	Exact match

 

Step 4: Choose Match Type

Option	Meaning
FALSE	Exact match (most commonly used)
TRUE	Approximate match (data must be sorted)

 

Step 5: Press Enter and Copy Formula

• Press Enter to get the result.
• Drag the fill handle to apply the formula to multiple rows.

 

Step 6: Check for Errors

• #N/A → Value not found.

Use IFERROR for cleaner output:

=IFERROR(VLOOKUP(A2, B2:D100, 2, FALSE), "Not Found")
 

Conclusion

VLOOKUP helps efficiently search and retrieve data from large spreadsheets by matching a value in the first column and returning related information.