What Is Excel Vlookup To Return Multiple Values?
The VLOOKUP function boasts a crucial feature in its ability to operate with unique values. However, in the event of duplicate values, the function will return the first found value for all subsequent lookup values. It is imperative to consider this aspect when implementing a VLOOKUP formula. In cases where the lookup_value appears multiple times, it is necessary to employ diverse strategies to handle multiple values. This article demonstrates utilizing the VLOOKUP function to return multiple values effectively.
The following example illustrates product sales, and we will utilize the Vlookup function to calculate the Return Multiple Values based on the provided data.
The formula entered is =VLOOKUP(D3, A3:B6, 2, TRUE). Next, press the Enter key. The result is obtained in cell E2 as shown in the image below.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- VLOOOKUP to return multiple values returns the first matching value it finds in the table from the same lookup column based on different criteria.
- The VLOOKUP with multiple criteria uses the standard formula; we can create an array formula that combines several LOOKUP functions that retrieve data based on different conditions. This enables us to pull all matching values from our data array that meet our specified criteria instead of just one match.
- It saves time and gives more accurate and comprehensive results by returning all related values simultaneously instead of running separate lookups for specific information over time.
How To Return Multiple Values Using Vlookup Function?
The succeeding example depicts the country’s sales, and we will calculate the Return Multiple Values using Vlookup Function using the given values.
In the table,
- Columns A, B, and C shows the name, country and the sales, respectively.
The steps to calculate the value by the Return of Multiple Values using the Vlookup Function are as follows:
Step 1: First, select the cell in Table 2, where we will enter the formula and then, calculate the result. The selected cell, in this case, is cell G3.
Step 2: Next, we will enter the Formula of the VLOOKUP Excel Function in cell G3.
Step 3: So, the entered complete formula is =VLOOKUP(E2, $A$3:$C$7, 3, 0). It is as shown below.
Step 4: Next, press the Enter key. We can see the results in cell G3. Drag to cell G7 as shown in the image below.
Step 5: Now, form table 3 with the Helper column by entering the complete formula =J3&“/”&K3 in cell I3.
Step 6: Then, select the cell in Table 4, where we will enter the formula and calculate the result. The selected cell, in this case, is cell P3.
Step 7: Next, we will enter the Formula of the VLOOKUP Excel Function in cell G3.
Step 8: The entered complete formula is =VLOOKUP(N3&“/”&O3, $I$3:$L$7, 4, 0). It is entered in cell P3.
Step 9: Next, press the Enter key. The result is obtained in cell P3.
Now, drag to cell P7 as shown in the image below.
Alternative Methods To Return Multiple Values
The succeeding example depicts the country’s sales, and we will calculate the Alternative Methods to Return Multiple Values using INDEX, SMALL & ROW Functions using the given values.
In the table,
- Columns A and B shows the product and sales, respectively.
The steps to calculate the value by the Alternative Methods to Return Multiple Values using the INDEX, SMALL & ROW Functions are as follows:
Step 1: To begin with, select the cell in Table 2, where we will enter the formula and calculate the result. The selected cell, in this case, is cell E3.
Step 2: Next, we will enter the Formula of the INDEX, SMALL & ROW Functions in cell E3.
Step 3: The entered complete formula is =INDEX($B$2:$B$7, SMALL(IF(D3=$A$2:$A$7, ROW(A2:A7)-ROW(A2)+1), ROW(1:1))) in cell E3.
Step 4: Now, press CTRL + SHIFT + Enter keys. The result is obtained in cell E3 as $89,448. Next, drag to cell E4 as shown in the image below.
Important Things To Note
- VLOOKUP is important to note that if the lookup_value contains duplicate names, the function will return the same value for each occurrence of the lookup_value. Remembering this when working with large datasets is crucial to ensure accurate results.
- To retrieve multiple values of a single lookup value, generating auxiliary columns utilizing the abovementioned techniques is necessary. It is imperative to implement these methods to ensure accurate and efficient data retrieval.
- INDEX and MATCH allows users to retrieve multiple values from large datasets. It requires the search column to be on the left-hand side, making it more flexible for complex data sets.
- The MATCH function within an INDEX formula to look up across both rows and columns, returning a single value for each match found in the table. When looking to return multiple values from a table, array formulas using INDEX and MATCH are highly effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
One major issue with Vlookup is that, it only returns the first matching value. It means that if there are multiple matches for the same lookup value, only one will be returned. Vlookup requires an exact match between the lookup value and the table array, which can result in missing or incorrect results if there are slight variations in spelling or formatting.
The INDEX and MATCH functions are alternative formulas to return multiple Excel values.
The INDEX function determines which row or column to look in based on the MATCH result, which searches for the lookup value within the specified range. This combination provides a dynamic way to extract data that matches certain criteria from large datasets easily.
This method can be extended to allow for multiple matches by utilizing an array formula and nesting the INDEX or MATCH functions to create an ascending list of all valid results. This technique increases professionals’ efficiency and accuracy when working with large data sets.
Vlookup can be used with large data sets, but certain limitations should be considered.
When working with large data sets, it is crucial to use the exact match parameter to avoid inaccurate results. Using multiple Vlookups can sometimes slow down the performance of Excel, so switching to more advanced lookup functions such as Index and Match or a PivotTable may be beneficial.
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This article must help understand the Vlookup to Return Multiple Values, with its formula and examples. You can download the template here to use it instantly.
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