The VLOOKUP function in Excel is used to search for a value in the first column of a table and return a value in the same row from a specified column. It's particularly useful for looking up data across large datasets.

▎Syntax

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

▎Parameters

1. lookup_value: The value you want to search for in the first column of the table.
2. table_array: The range of cells that contains the data. You can specify a range like A1:D10.
3. col_index_num: The column number in the table from which to retrieve the value. The first column is 1, the second is 2, and so on.
4. range_lookup: (Optional) A logical value that specifies whether you want an exact match or an approximate match.
- TRUE (or omitted): Approximate match (the closest value less than or equal to the lookup value).
- FALSE: Exact match.

▎Example

Suppose you have a table like this:

| A | B | C |
|--------|---------|--------|
| ID | Name | Age |
| 1 | Alice | 30 |
| 2 | Bob | 25 |
| 3 | Charlie | 35 |

If you want to find the age of "Bob", you can use the following formula:

=VLOOKUP(2, A2:C4, 3, FALSE)

▎Explanation of the Example

- lookup_value: 2 (the ID of Bob)
- table_array: A2:C4 (the range containing your data)
- col_index_num: 3 (you want to retrieve the value from the third column, which is Age)
- range_lookup: FALSE (you want an exact match)

This formula will return 25, which is Bob's age.

▎Notes

- Ensure that the first column of your table_array contains the values you want to look up.
- If VLOOKUP cannot find the lookup value, it will return #N/A.
- For more flexibility, consider using INDEX and MATCH functions together, as they can handle cases where your lookup column isn't the first column.

Top 15 Excel concepts for Interviews

1. Cell Referencing: Understand absolute ($A$1), relative (A1), and mixed ($A1, A$1) referencing for dynamic formulas.


2. Formulas and Functions: Master key functions like VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, IF, INDEX, MATCH, TEXT, CONCATENATE, and XLOOKUP.


3. Pivot Tables: Summarize, analyze, and visualize data dynamically; learn grouping and calculated fields.


4. Conditional Formatting: Highlight cells based on specific criteria using colors, icons, or data bars.


5. Data Validation: Restrict inputs using rules like drop-down lists, numerical ranges, or text length.


6. Charts: Create visualizations such as bar charts, pie charts, scatter plots, line graphs, and combo charts.


7. Filters and Sorting: Organize data using filters and multi-level sorting by color, values, or custom lists.


8. Macros: Automate repetitive tasks using VBA or Excel’s macro recorder.


9. What-If Analysis: Use tools like Goal Seek, Scenario Manager, and Data Tables for forecasting.


10. Power Query: Import, clean, and transform data from various sources with ease.


11. Error Handling: Understand and resolve common errors like #DIV/0!, #N/A, #VALUE!, #REF!, and use IFERROR.


12. Dynamic Arrays: Work with functions like SORT, FILTER, SEQUENCE, and UNIQUE for scalable solutions.


13. Advanced Charts: Use sparklines, waterfall charts, heat maps, and histogram charts for advanced visualization.


14. Data Cleaning: Remove duplicates, trim excess spaces, clean inconsistent formatting, and split data with TEXT TO COLUMNS.


15. Workbook/Worksheet Protection: Protect cells, worksheets, or entire workbooks to prevent unintended changes.

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