Using Xlookup boost up productivity today

Welcome to our tutorial on Microsoft Excel's XLOOKUP function! If you've ever struggled with retrieving data efficiently, XLOOKUP is here to simplify the process. In this blog, we'll explore the basic syntax, demonstrate three practical examples, and discuss how XLOOKUP can enhance your data analysis.

What is XLOOKUP?

XLOOKUP is a powerful function introduced in Excel 365 and Excel 2019 or later versions. It replaces the traditional VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, and INDEX/MATCH functions, offering more flexibility and efficiency.

Basic Syntax:

=XLOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_array, return_array, [if_not_found], [match_mode], [search_mode])

Here’s a breakdown of its parameters:

• lookup_value: The value you want to search for.
• lookup_array: The range of cells containing the lookup values.
• return_array: The range from which the corresponding result is returned.
• if_not_found (optional): The value returned if no match is found.
• match_mode (optional): Defines match type (exact, less than, greater than, etc.).
• search_mode (optional): Controls search direction (first to last, last to first).

Practical Examples of XLOOKUP

Let’s dive into three real-world scenarios where XLOOKUP shines:

Example 1: Finding an Email Address Based on Name

Imagine you have two tables—one with names and another with names & email addresses. To retrieve an email address using a name, use:

=XLOOKUP(A2, Table2[Name], Table2[Email], "", 0)

This formula looks up the name in Table2[Name] and returns the matching email address from Table2[Email].

Example 2: Finding Sales Figures for a Product in a Specific Month

For businesses tracking product sales across different months, XLOOKUP can retrieve sales data dynamically:

=XLOOKUP(A2, SalesData[[Product]:[Product]], 
         XLOOKUP(B2, SalesData[[Jan]:[Dec]], SalesData[[Jan Value]:[Dec Value]],))

This nested formula first finds the product, then searches within the selected month's column.

Example 3: Finding a Stock Price for a Specific Company on a Specific Day

Financial analysts can use XLOOKUP to retrieve stock prices based on both company name and date:

=XLOOKUP(A2&"-"&B2, StockData[Date&"-"&Company], StockData[Price], "", 1)

By concatenating the date and company name, XLOOKUP performs a dual lookup, ensuring accurate data retrieval.

Key Considerations When Using XLOOKUP

Fixing Ranges Using F4

To prevent shifting arrays when dragging formulas down, press F4 to fix the range.

Handling Missing Data

If a lookup value isn't found and you haven't specified the if_not_found parameter, Excel returns #N/A. You can customize this by adding a default value.

Combining Lookup Values & Arrays

XLOOKUP supports multiple lookup values and arrays using the ampersand (&) operator, making it a great choice for advanced searches.

Conclusion

XLOOKUP revolutionizes data retrieval in Excel, offering speed, accuracy, and flexibility for various scenarios. Whether you're tracking sales, managing stock data, or retrieving key business information, XLOOKUP makes it easier than ever.

Tip: If you're using Excel 2016, 2013, or 2010, XLOOKUP isn't available—you might need an upgrade!

Stay tuned for another tutorial where we explore XLOOKUP's optional parameters in depth.

Excel Source file download to practice