Is an Excel function to lookup and retrieve data from a specific column in table?

LOOKUP tables in Excel are named tables used with the VLOOKUP function to find any data. When we have a large amount of data and do not know where to look, we can select the table and name it. While using the VLOOKUP function, instead of providing the reference, we can type the table’s name as a reference to look up the value. Such a table is known as a lookup table in Excel.

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• How to Create a Lookup Table in Excel?
• #1 – Create a Lookup Table Using VLOOKUP Function
• #2 – Use LOOKUP Function to Create a LOOKUP Table in Excel
• #3 – Use INDEX + MATCH Function
• Things to Remember
• Recommended Articles
• Which function is best used to LOOKUP and retrieve data from specific row in a table?
• Which function is best LOOKUP and retrieve data?
• What is the LOOKUP function in Excel?
• Which function is best used to LOOKUP and retrieve data from a specific row in a table address Hlookup VLOOKUP match?

How to Create a Lookup Table in Excel?

LOOKUP functions are lifesavers in Excel. Based on the available or lookup value, we can fetch the other data in different tables. In Excel, VLOOKUP is the most commonly used LOOKUP function.

This article will discuss some of the important lookup functions in Excel and how to create a lookup table in Excel. Important lookup functions are VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP, V stands for vertical lookup, and H stands for horizontal lookup. We have the function called LOOKUP to look for the data in the table.

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We can fetch the available data and other information from different worksheets and workbooks using these LOOKUP functions.

#1 – Create a Lookup Table Using VLOOKUP Function

As we said, VLOOKUP is the traditional lookup functionThe VLOOKUP excel function searches for a particular value and returns a corresponding match based on a unique identifier. A unique identifier is uniquely associated with all the records of the database. For instance, employee ID, student roll number, customer contact number, seller email address, etc., are unique identifiers. read more most users use regularly. Therefore, we will show you how to look for values using this LOOKUP function.

• Lookup Value is nothing but the available value. Based on this value, we are trying to fetch the data from the other table.
• Table Array is simply the main table where all the information resides.
• Col Index Num is nothing but from which column of the table array we want the data. So we need to mention the column number here.
• Range Lookup is nothing but whether you are looking for an exact match or an approximate match. If you are looking for the same match, then FALSE or 0 is the argument. If you are looking for the approximate match, then TRUE or 1 is the argument.

Example of VLOOKUP Function: Assume below is the data you have of product sales and their sales amount.

Now, in cell D2, we have one product ID, and using this product ID, we have to fetch the sales value using VLOOKUP.

Follow these steps:

1. We must apply the VLOOKUP function and open the formula first.

   
   

2. The first argument is the LOOKUP value. It is our base or available value. So, we must select cell D2 as the reference.

   
   

3. Next is the table array. It is nothing but our main table where all the data resides. So, select the table array as A2 to B11.

   
   

4. Now, press the F4 function key to make it an absolute excel reference. It will insert the dollar symbol into the selected cell.

   
   

5. The next argument is the column index number from the selected table from which column we are looking for the data. In this case, we have chosen two columns, and we need the data from the second column, so we must mention 2 as the argument.

   
   

6. The final argument is range lookup, i.e., type of lookup. Since we are looking at an exact match, we must select FALSE or insert zero as the argument.

   
   

7. Close the bracket and press the “Enter” key. We should have the sales value for the product ID Prd5.

   
   

   
   

8. What if we want the sales data for the product if Prd6. Of course, we can enter directly, but this is not the right approach. Rather, we can create the drop-down list in excel and allow the user to select from the drop-down list. Press ALT + A + V + V in cell D2. It is the shortcut key, which is the shortcut key to create data validation in excel.

   
   

9. Select the “LIST” from the “Allow:” drop-down.

   
   

   
   

10. In the “SOURCE:” select the Product ID list from A2 to A11.

    
    

11. Click on the “OK.” We have all the list of products in cell D2 now.

    
    

#2 – Use LOOKUP Function to Create a LOOKUP Table in Excel

Instead of VLOOKUP, we can also use the LOOKUP function in excelThe LOOKUP excel function searches a value in a range (single row or single column) and returns a corresponding match from the same position of another range (single row or single column). The corresponding match is a piece of information associated with the value being searched. read more as an alternative. But, first, let us look at the formula of the LOOKUP function.

• Lookup Value is the base value or available value.
• Lookup Vector is nothing but a lookup value column in the main table.
• Result Vector is nothing but requires a column in the main table.

Let’s apply the formula to understand the logic of the LOOKUP function.

Step 1: We must open the LOOKUP function now.

Step 2: The lookup value is product ID, so select the D2 cell.

Step 3: The lookup vector is nothing but the product ID column in the main table. So select A1 to A11 as the range.

Step 4: Next is the results vector. It is nothing but from which column we need the data to be fetched. In this case, from B1 to B11, we want the data to be brought.

Step 5: Close the bracket and press the “Enter” key to close the formula. We should have sales value for the selected product ID.

Step 6: Change the product ID to see a different result.

#3 – Use INDEX + MATCH Function

The VLOOKUP function can fetch the data from left to the right, but with the help of the INDEX FunctionThe INDEX function in Excel helps extract the value of a cell, which is within a specified array (range) and, at the intersection of the stated row and column numbers.read more and MATCH formula in excelThe MATCH function looks for a specific value and returns its relative position in a given range of cells. The output is the first position found for the given value. Being a lookup and reference function, it works for both an exact and approximate match. For example, if the range A11:A15 consists of the numbers 2, 9, 8, 14, 32, the formula “MATCH(8,A11:A15,0)” returns 3. This is because the number 8 is at the third position. read more, we can bring data from anywhere to create a LOOKUP Excel table.

Step 1: Open the INDEX formula ExcelThe INDEX function in Excel helps extract the value of a cell, which is within a specified array (range) and, at the intersection of the stated row and column numbers.read more first.

Step 2: Select the result column in the main table for the first argument.

Step 3: To get the row number, we need to apply the MATCH function. Refer to the below image for the MATCH function.

Step 4: Close the bracket and close the formula. We will have results.

Things to Remember

• The LOOKUP should be the same as in the main table in Excel.
• The VLOOKUP function works from left to right, not from right to left.
• In the LOOKUP function, we need to select the result column and need not mention the column index number, unlike VLOOKUP.

Recommended Articles

This article is a guide to the LOOKUP Table in Excel. We discuss creating a LOOKUP table in Excel using VLOOKUP, INDEX, MATCH formulas, practical examples, and a downloadable Excel template. You may also learn more about Excel from the following articles: –

• LOOKUP Formula ExcelThe LOOKUP excel function searches a value in a range (single row or single column) and returns a corresponding match from the same position of another range (single row or single column). The corresponding match is a piece of information associated with the value being searched. read more
• VLOOKUP from Another SheetVlookup is a function that can be used to refer to columns on the same sheet or from another worksheet or workbook. A different workbook or worksheet is used to select the table array and index number.read more
• What are the Alternatives to Vlookup?To reference data in columns from right to left, we can combine the index and match functions, which is one of the best Excel alternatives to Vlookup.read more
• How to Fix VLOOKUP Errors?The top four VLOOKUP errors are - #N/A Error, #NAME? Error, #REF! Error, #VALUE! Error.read more