Excel Lookup Guides
Lookup formulas connect a value in one table with information in another. Before choosing a formula, decide which field identifies a record and whether you expect one match or several. These guides move from a basic XLOOKUP to multiple criteria and returned columns, with troubleshooting for text mismatches and missing results. Use the function references when you need to check an argument while building your own formula.
Choose and write a lookup
- Start with XLOOKUP
Build a lookup from a search value, lookup range, and return range.
- Compare XLOOKUP and VLOOKUP
Choose an approach that fits your workbook and Excel version.
- XLOOKUP function reference
Check syntax, optional arguments, and examples.
Handle more complicated matches
- Match multiple criteria
Use more than one field to identify the result you need.
- Fix XLOOKUP errors
Check ranges and matching behavior when a formula fails.
- Fix VLOOKUP text mismatches
Investigate values that look identical but do not match.
All articles on this topic
8 articles
Compare Two Columns in Excel
Learn how to compare two columns in Excel for matches, differences, duplicates, missing values, and case-sensitive text....
Can AI Fix Broken Excel Formulas? Real Tests With VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, and SUMIFS
I tested whether AI can fix broken Excel formulas in real scenarios involving VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP-style logic, and SUMIFS errors caused by dirty data....
How to Fix Common XLOOKUP Errors in Excel
Fix common XLOOKUP errors in Excel, including #N/A, spill problems, mismatched ranges, and text cleanup issues that break lookups....
How to Return Multiple Columns and Rows with XLOOKUP
Learn how to use XLOOKUP to return multiple columns or rows in Excel and how spill behavior changes the way lookup formulas work....
How to Use XLOOKUP with Multiple Criteria in Excel
Learn how to use XLOOKUP with multiple criteria in Excel by combining Boolean logic or concatenation for cleaner, more flexible lookups....
XLOOKUP vs VLOOKUP in Excel: Which Should You Use?
Compare XLOOKUP vs VLOOKUP in Excel, including syntax, left lookups, exact matches, and when the older function still makes sense....
XLOOKUP Function in Excel: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Learn how to use XLOOKUP in Excel with beginner-friendly steps, practical examples, and a clear comparison with VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, and INDEX MATCH....
VLOOKUP Not Working with Text Values: 6 Fixes You Need
Fix your VLOOKUP not working with text issue using our troubleshooting tips. Don't let #N/A or #VALUE errors stop you from getting accurate results....
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