Google Sheets is one of the most powerful programs to get to learn; with its easy-to-use tools and functions, you can make anything you want. However, if you are stuck with a huge amount of interrelated data, one of the toughest things is to look for particular data that you require across numerous sheets. This is why most people use VLOOKUP on Google Sheets, which helps people find data required from a different sheet.
Most Google Sheets users believe using VLOOKUP is difficult and involves knowledge in this field. However, the truth is that using this tool is convenient and easy in many ways. In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of using it on Google Sheet.
VLOOKUP: What you need to know
As the name goes, the VLOOKUP on Google Sheets is very useful for vertical lookup on a spreadsheet. For example, users can use it to look for the key value, also known as a unique identifier, inside the column in a particular range. Also, exporting the value from a different column in the same row is possible by using this.
Here is the syntax used in the VLOOKUP:
= VLOOKUP (search key, range, index, [is_sorted])
How to use VLOOKUP Across Spreadsheets
The VLOOKUP function works among interrelated data across different worksheets on Google Sheets. This way, you get to find the data you are looking for conveniently. For instance, suppose there is a sheet including May Sales in a furniture shop. Finding a complete ordered amount of an individual within a large amount of data could be challenging. This is why we are going to use VLOOKUP.
Here is the step-by-step process:
- In the first column of the sheet, write the value/s of what you are looking for.
- Type the command=VLOOKUP and add the syntax value you want. While entering values in the function, Google Sheets allowed you to work between sheets within the same workbook and required data!
SEARCH_KEY: This feature will help you look for the value you are looking for. It is also called a unique identifier or lookup value. You can either put the specific name you want or the value in the cell.
RANGE: It is the columns of the data you are looking for. Take note that this function of VLOOKUP on Google Sheets always searches in the first column of the known range.
INDEX: The number of columns in the range contains the same value in the same row as the SEARCH_KEY.
IS_SORTED: This argument is optional that indicates if you want to search for an estimated match or an exact match. If you want an exact match, you must change it to TRUE or keep it FALSE for an estimated match. If you want a TRUE value, your list will be sorted into ascending order, or it will result in an error.
- Hit enter, and there you are! The value you are searching for automatically appears in the cell.
- If you want to look for more values, type them in the first column, choose the cell where you used VLOOKUP, and stretch it down to get the value.
Comparing Data Lists
Use the VLOOKUP function to compare two Google Sheets.
Suppose you have two different lists of names and you are looking for missing names from your first list, follow these steps:
- Input “=VLOOKUP.”
- Use the first cell from your unique list as the “search key.”
- Use your second list for the range.
- For the “is ascending” value, choose “FALSE.”
- Click the enter key, and drag your formula across the desired cells.
Why use VLOOKUP on Google Sheets?
A Google Sheets VLOOKUP allows you to implement a range of advantageous searches among multiple columns, including:
Associating lists
Looking for incorrect values
Finding missing values among different lists that should be the same
Finding partial or exact matches to search queries.
Key Summary
Here’s everything you need to understand using the search key within the VLOOKUP on Google Sheets.
If used properly, the Google Sheets VLOOKUP features are an excellent way to search for information in a Google Sheet. And it doesn’t require to be on the same Google Sheet; VLOOKUP can be applied across multiple sheets.
