Master Excel XLOOKUP with 5 Examples

Master Excel XLOOKUP with 5 Examples

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Handling Errors in XLOOKUP
3. Using Wildcards in XLOOKUP
4. Performing a Horizontal Lookup
5. Two-Way Lookup with XLOOKUP
6. Approximate Match with XLOOKUP
7. Availability of the XLOOKUP Function
8. Calculating Maximum Bonus with XLOOKUP
9. Horizontal Lookup with XLOOKUP
10. Using Wildcards in Lookup_Value

Introduction

Excel's XLOOKUP function is a powerful tool that simplifies the process of looking up data in a spreadsheet. It can replace other lookup functions like VLOOKUP and INDEX MATCH, making it more versatile and efficient. In this article, we will explore five examples of how to use XLOOKUP effectively to handle errors, perform partial matches, conduct horizontal and two-way lookups, and find approximate matches. We will also discuss the availability of XLOOKUP and demonstrate how to calculate maximum bonuses using this function. So let's dive in and discover the full potential of Excel's XLOOKUP!

Handling Errors in XLOOKUP

One of the common challenges when using any lookup function is handling errors when a lookup value is not found in the lookup array. In XLOOKUP, You can use the optional argument if_not_found to specify the value you want to return when the lookup value is not found. For example, if you're looking up employee names in a separate sheet and want to return a zero percentage bonus when a name is not found, you can use =XLOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_array, return_array, 0).

Using Wildcards in XLOOKUP

Sometimes you may only have partial information for a lookup value and want to find the corresponding value Based on that partial match. XLOOKUP allows you to use wildcards, such as asterisks () and question marks (?), in the lookup value to perform partial matches. For example, if you only remember the last name of an employee and want to find their first name, you can use wildcards like `` as placeholders.

Performing a Horizontal Lookup

By default, Excel lookup functions like VLOOKUP and INDEX MATCH perform vertical lookups, searching for values in a column. However, XLOOKUP offers the flexibility to perform horizontal lookups, searching for values in a row. This can be useful when your lookup data is organized horizontally instead of vertically. You can simply adjust the lookup array and return array to perform a horizontal lookup.

Two-Way Lookup with XLOOKUP

XLOOKUP's versatility extends to performing two-way lookups, where you search for a value based on both rows and columns. This can be handy when you have data organized in a table format and need to find the intersection of specific rows and columns. XLOOKUP allows you to perform a row lookup first and then use the returned value as the lookup value for a column lookup.

Approximate Match with XLOOKUP

In some cases, you may need to find an approximate match instead of an exact match when using XLOOKUP. For example, if you have a salary range and want to determine the corresponding bonus percentage based on the salary amount, you can use XLOOKUP with the match_mode argument set to -1 (exact match or next smaller item). This allows you to find the next smallest value in the lookup array.

Availability of the XLOOKUP Function

Before diving into using XLOOKUP, it's essential to check if the function is available in your version of Excel. The XLOOKUP function was introduced in newer versions of Excel, so it may not be available in older versions. You can check the description or documentation of your Excel version, or refer to Microsoft's official Website for more information on the availability of XLOOKUP.

Calculating Maximum Bonus with XLOOKUP

One practical application of XLOOKUP is calculating the maximum bonus each employee can have based on their yearly salary and a bonus percentage. By using XLOOKUP to retrieve the bonus percentage for each employee, you can multiply it by the yearly salary to calculate the maximum bonus. This allows for flexibility in determining bonuses based on individual employee profiles.

Horizontal Lookup with XLOOKUP

As Mentioned earlier, XLOOKUP provides the ability to perform horizontal lookups, which can be useful when working with data organized horizontally rather than vertically. By adjusting the lookup array and return array accordingly, you can perform a search for values in a row. This simplifies the process and eliminates the need for complex formulas or additional functions like HLOOKUP.

Using Wildcards in Lookup_Value

Utilizing wildcards in the lookup value allows for flexibility in performing partial matches using XLOOKUP. Wildcards such as asterisks (*) and question marks (?) can replace unknown or variable characters, enabling you to search for values that contain specific Patterns or variations. This can be beneficial when you have limited or incomplete information and still need to find Relevant data in the lookup array.