Lookup Functions in Excel

When we generate reports and list, we can look up values from master sheet;

 

The advantages of lookup function are

 

1.  will eliminate the repeated typing of same data

2.  will eliminate the copy paste error; i.e. accidently pasting the irrelevant data to the record

3.  dynamic data update with reference / lookup value

4.  also will link multiple workbook

5.  easy for retrieving the respective records

 

The function syntax is as follows

 

VLOOKUP(lookup value, table range, column index, [range lookup])

 

Ø  Lookup value is the reference value that computer will match and pull the row data with respective to the value

Ø  Table range, master table data to look up value; in this the first column will be used as reference value and other columns will be the value result for the look up function

Ø  Column Index is the number i.e. n^th column value for the result

Ø  Range lookup is the optional argument (True / false) ie. Exact / approximate match

 

 

Note : Excel will result the first match instance; if the master table have more than one value.  Hence use the unique id / reference for vlooup formula.