Excel Excel - what is it? Learn how the VLOOKUP function works in Excel

VPR Excel is a function in the corresponding program, which is distinguished by its beauty and simplicity. It has many different uses, it is used in completely different areas: from training to retailing. The main concept of the function is to look for matches in one or more tables. So you can easily find the information you need, spending a minimum of time.

general information

Excel VLOOKUP function - what is it? It is also called VLOOKUP in the English version. This is one of the most common functions of arrays and references. The specialists making up the BRP ADVICE scale exhibited a level of complexity equivalent to 3 or 7.

This function allows you to quickly find in the large table those values from the rows or columns that the user needs. The first parameter is found by the program independently. The column is indicated by the user. There is another function of the GPR, where a person is marked with a line. The column she finds on her own.

If the user has already dealt with references and arrays, then it will be easy to understand the actions of the VPR. In different tabular documents, you can make a footnote on a specific cell. It is set as an example or, on the contrary, indicated as an exception. In the job for VLP, a cell in the form of A1, D9, K8 and so on is usually indicated.

Sometimes the link is given in a different form (R1C1). In a word, there is a column and a line, at the intersection of which is the information you need for the user. The program gets an exact indication of where it should look for this data.

Function parameters by example

The Excel VLOOKUP function first specifies the line number, followed by the column designation. Approximately it should look something like:

= VRP (A1, Database_Data, 2, FALSE)

The function parameters mean the following:

1. A1. This is an approximate reference to the cell. It can specify any value, depending on the result that the user wants to get.
2. Database. The name of the area of information to be searched. The concept is not as extensive as the previous one. It can only be used on the first lines or columns.
3. 2. This is the serial number of the column from which the program will draw information.
4. FALSE. Indicates the search for an exact match. Sometimes other additional parameters of this word are specified. And the program will look for all the coincidences and determine the nearest values.

Unfortunately, the function can not work more professionally. Some data the user needs to keep in mind (row or column number). Otherwise, he can not find the information he needs.

Arguments of the VPR

To talk about how the VLOOK function works in Excel, you need to familiarize yourself with its arguments. The first one is the required value. It sets the search parameters that the program will search in the first column of the table. It can not work with the second and subsequent, the function simply will not find this information. Inside the formula, this argument is indicated in quotation marks. Exceptions are the names of functions.

Another argument is the table. It can be indicated in the coordinate system. And directly in this table, the first column of its function tries to find the element to be searched for. It is indicated initially (see above).

The third argument is the column number. Here you specify the information that the user is looking for. For example, he can look at the position corresponding to the surname from the first column, his salary, marks and so on. It all depends on the scope of the user.

And the last argument is an interval scan. Here you can find "1" and "0" or "Lies" and "Truth". In the first case, the data will mean that the given search is approximate. Then the program will search for all matches. If the second option is applied, then the function will only pay attention to the exact values.

Common Errors

The Excel VLOOKUP function will never fail if the wrong task is noted. That is, in any violations, only the user is to blame. There are three common mistakes. First, the person is often confused in the arguments "lie" and "truth". The first is focused on finding the exact match. If you specify "true", then the function matches the approximate ones.

Secondly, the Excel Excel formula can not be designated so that the search starts with the second or subsequent column. Find the data can only be the first. Therefore, if the user enters some other formula different from the rules, the program simply can not recognize it.

And, thirdly, it is often incorrect to indicate the number of the column from which information is needed. In this case, you need to double-check the data.

When do you use the VLOOKUP function?

This is worth talking about in detail. It's no secret that the Excel VLOOK function is used in absolutely different areas. The instruction for its use may seem complicated, but only at first glance. Otherwise, it would not become so common.

Remember the main thing: the function searches for information on the vertical, that is - on the columns. It is used in different situations:

• When you need to find information in a large table or find all the duplicate data and matches.
• In the teaching environment. The teacher can always find the names of his students in a matter of minutes to find their attendance, academic performance and other information. In particular, it is useful when the list of students is large, and the teacher can not remember each of them.
• In retail. If you use the function to find the price, composition or article number, then the person will be able to quickly answer questions from customers.

In a word, in any environment, when you need to find data from a table, you can use VPR.

How to use VPR in the table?

It is not difficult to understand this. In order for the Excel Excel formula to work, you must first make a table. Also, to fully use the function, you need at least two columns, the maximum number of which is unlimited.

Then in the empty cell you need to enter this formula, where the user specifies the search parameters for matches and information. An empty niche can be located anywhere: from above, from below, from the right. Cells need to be expanded to find data. Since they are located in their columns, they will need at least two. If there are more search parameters, then the number of cells increases. Then the function is checked and how correctly the formula is written. To do this, click on "view values." You can identify inconsistencies in the formula.

Recommendations for using the function

VPR in English Excel and the Russian analogue is applied equally. But there are a couple of tips from professionals. In order for the function to work better, especially after changing the data, it is recommended to enter the dollar symbol between arrays. For example, not A1, but A $ 1 $. When the primary values are hammered, then no symbols or spaces between the names of rows and columns need be set.

It is also recommended that you carefully check the table so that there are no unnecessary punctuation marks or spaces. Their presence will not allow the program to normally look for coincidences, especially when it is only approximate (in the "Truth" parameter).

Conclusion

The Excel VLOOKUP function (vertical view) is simple for an experienced user. But an inexperienced person can easily become acquainted with the rules of its use. After their mastering, the user will be able to quickly find information, no matter how extensive the table will be. If you want to use the horizontal view, then use the GPR function.