Formula guide · Excel and Google Sheets · Updated May 13, 2026
How to Use VLOOKUP
Use VLOOKUP to search the first column of a table and return a value from another column.
Quick Answer
For most lookup tasks, end VLOOKUP with FALSE so it returns an exact match instead of a closest match.
Copyable Formula
=VLOOKUP(E2,A2:C8,3,FALSE)Syntax
=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup])Excel and Google Sheets
Worked Example
| A | B | C | E |
|---|---|---|---|
| SKU | Product | Price | Lookup SKU |
| A-101 | Keyboard | $49 | A-103 |
| A-102 | Mouse | $25 | |
| A-103 | Monitor | $210 |
Result: Returns $210 from the third column of the table when E2 contains A-103.
Steps
- Put the lookup value first.
- Select the full table range, starting with the lookup column.
- Count the return column from the left edge of the table.
- Use FALSE for exact match unless you intentionally need approximate matching.
Common Mistakes
- Leaving the final argument blank, which can trigger approximate matching.
- Trying to return a column to the left of the lookup column.
- Breaking formulas when inserting or moving table columns.
Excel vs Google Sheets Notes
The core idea works in both Excel and Google Sheets, but separators, function availability, and array behavior can vary by account, locale, and version.
Editorial check: This guide was last updated May 13, 2026. Formula behavior can vary by Excel version, Google Sheets rollout, and spreadsheet locale.