The document explains how to create a VLOOKUP formula in Microsoft Excel 2010 to search for data in a table and return matching values. It describes the four components of a VLOOKUP formula - the lookup value, table array, column index number, and optional range lookup parameter. An example is provided demonstrating how to use VLOOKUP to search an inventory database by part number and return the stock level and price.

1. CREATING A VLOOKUP
(in MS Excel 2010)
Dave Shannon - 05/08/13

2. CONTENTS
 What does a VLOOKUP do?
 The components of a VLOOKUP
 An example
 Summary
DSHANNON05/08/13

3. WHAT DOES A VLOOKUP DO?
 A VLOOKUP takes data from you, looks up another piece of data, and
returns it to you
 It is usually used to search a large amount of data and return results in a
simple visual format
 Some examples:
 Enter an employee name, receive HR details, sales figures
 Enter a site name and receive address details
 Enter a part number, receive stock level and price
DSHANNON05/08/13

4. VLOOKUP COMPONENTS
DSHANNON05/08/13
=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num,[range_lookup])

5. VLOOKUP COMPONENTS
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=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num,[range_lookup])
tells Excel that a formula is coming up
=
VLOOKUP tells Excel which formula to expect

6. VLOOKUP COMPONENTS
DSHANNON05/08/13
=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num,[range_lookup])

7. VLOOKUP COMPONENTS
DSHANNON05/08/13
=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num,[range_lookup])
 The data you need to enter – It‟s best to put a cell number in here so you can
look up different items/names easily
 The cells where you want VLOOKUP to search. These can be in a different
sheet or workbook, but both need to be open
 A count across to the column that contains the data you want bringing back
 Whether you want just that precise number or want anything close. Usually you
will want a precise number
lookup_value
table_array
col_index_num
[range_lookup]

8. VLOOKUP EXAMPLE
DSHANNON05/08/13
 Using a simple database
 Two VLOOKUP‟s will take part number, return Stock level and Price
 Cell created for entering Item Code

9. VLOOKUP EXAMPLE
DSHANNON05/08/13
 Begin typing the formula in the result field

10. VLOOKUP EXAMPLE
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 Begin typing the formula in the result field
 Lookup_value appears bolded to assist you

11. VLOOKUP EXAMPLE
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 Begin typing the formula in the result field
 Lookup_value appears bolded to assist you
 Type “B3”, the cell where you want to enter the part number you want to look up

12. VLOOKUP EXAMPLE
DSHANNON05/08/13
 Begin typing the formula in the result field
 Lookup_value appears bolded to assist you
 Type “B3”, the cell where you want to enter the part number you want to look up
 Type a comma and the bolded selection changes to table_array

13. VLOOKUP EXAMPLE
DSHANNON05/08/13
 Click the first cell of the table – the cell number appears as part of the formula

14. VLOOKUP EXAMPLE
DSHANNON05/08/13
 Click the first cell of the table – the cell number appears as part of the formula
 And drag to select the whole database

15. VLOOKUP EXAMPLE
DSHANNON05/08/13
 Click the first cell of the table – the cell number appears as part of the formula
 And drag to select the whole database
 Type a comma to move to the next section: col_index_num
 This is where we count columns across to the result we want bringing back

16. VLOOKUP EXAMPLE
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 Type 4 for the col_index_num field, and a comma
 [range_lookup] appears bolded, and a drop down appears

17. VLOOKUP EXAMPLE
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 Type 4 for the col_index_num field, and a comma
 [range_lookup] appears bolded, and a drop down appears
 Select “FALSE” so that an exact match will be returned

18. VLOOKUP EXAMPLE
DSHANNON05/08/13
 Type 4 for the col_index_num field, and a comma
 [range_lookup] appears bolded, and a drop down appears
 Select “FALSE” so that an exact match will be returned
 Close the brackets

19. VLOOKUP EXAMPLE
DSHANNON05/08/13
 Type 4 for the col_index_num field, and a comma
 [range_lookup] appears bolded, and a drop down appears
 Select “FALSE” so that an exact match will be returned
 Close the brackets and press „Enter‟

20. VLOOKUP EXAMPLE
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 Enter an Item Code and Press „Enter‟, stock level appears

21. VLOOKUP EXAMPLE
DSHANNON05/08/13
 Enter an Item Code and Press „Enter‟, stock level appears
 Price returned by adjusting col_index_num entry

22. VLOOKUP EXAMPLE
DSHANNON05/08/13
 Enter an Item Code and Press „Enter‟, stock level appears
 Price returned by adjusting col_index_num

23. VLOOKUP EXAMPLE
DSHANNON05/08/13
 Enter an Item Code and Press „Enter‟, stock level appears
 Price returned by adjusting col_index_num
 Works for all Item Codes

24. VLOOKUP EXAMPLE
DSHANNON05/08/13
 Enter an Item Code and Press „Enter‟, stock level appears
 Price returned by adjusting col_index_num
 Works for all Item Codes

25. VLOOKUP- SUMMARY
 Four elements:
 A cell to type your data in
 A selection to search in
 The number of columns over
 Exact or near match
*Electronic versions of this presentation are available on request
DSHANNON05/08/13
lookup_value
table_array
col_index_num
[range_lookup]

26. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
QUESTIONS?
DSHANNON05/08/13