What is Xlookup | Xlookup vs Vlookup

What is XLOOKUP?

XLOOKUP is a function in Excel used to search for specific data in a table or range and return corresponding values. Think of it as an advanced version of VLOOKUP or HLOOKUP but with more features and fewer limitations.

Introduced in Excel 365 and Excel 2021, XLOOKUP eliminates many of the challenges that users faced with older lookup functions.

Here’s the basic syntax of XLOOKUP:

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

Let’s break it down:

lookup_value: The value you’re searching for.
lookup_array: The range or column where you want to search for the value.
return_array: The range or column from which you want to return the matching value.
[if_not_found]: (Optional) The result to return if no match is found.
[match_mode]: (Optional) Controls how matching works (e.g., exact match, approximate match).
[search_mode]: (Optional) Allows you to search from top to bottom, bottom to top, etc.

Key Features of XLOOKUP

Search in Any Direction: Unlike VLOOKUP, which only searches from left to right, XLOOKUP can search in any direction—up, down, left, or right.
Exact Match by Default: In XLOOKUP, the default behavior is an exact match. This is a big improvement over VLOOKUP, which requires you to set this manually.
Handles Missing Values: With the [if_not_found] argument, you can specify a custom message if no match is found. For example, instead of returning an error, you could display “Not Found.”
Simpler Syntax: XLOOKUP eliminates the need for multiple arguments like VLOOKUP’s column index. You simply specify the range where you want to search and return values.
Supports Approximate Match and Wildcards: XLOOKUP allows you to perform approximate matches and use wildcards like “?” or “*” for more flexible searches.

What is VLOOKUP?

Before we talk about how XLOOKUP is better, let’s quickly revisit VLOOKUP.

VLOOKUP (Vertical Lookup) is a function used to search for a value in the first column of a range and return a value in the same row from a specified column.

Here’s the basic syntax of VLOOKUP:

VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup])

Let’s break it down:

lookup_value: The value you’re searching for.
table_array: The table or range containing your data.
col_index_num: The column number (starting from 1) of the value to return.
[range_lookup]: Whether you want an exact or approximate match (TRUE/FALSE).

While VLOOKUP is great for simple tasks, it comes with several limitations.

XLOOKUP vs VLOOKUP: Key Differences

Feature	XLOOKUP	VLOOKUP
Direction	Works in any direction	Only works left to right
Match Type	Exact match by default	Approximate match by default
Error Handling	Custom message if not found	Returns an error (#N/A)
Column Reference	Uses ranges (simpler)	Requires column index
Flexibility	Can search bottom-to-top or specific rows	Only top-to-bottom
Availability	Excel 365, Excel 2021	Available in all versions

When to Use XLOOKUP

You should use XLOOKUP if:

You need a more flexible function that can search in any direction.
You often deal with large datasets and want to avoid errors.
You want to simplify your formulas and make them easier to read.

Why People Still Use VLOOKUP

While XLOOKUP is more advanced, VLOOKUP is still widely used for two reasons:

Compatibility: Older versions of Excel (e.g., Excel 2016 or earlier) don’t support XLOOKUP.
Familiarity: Many people have been using VLOOKUP for years and are comfortable with it.

XLOOKUP is a game-changer for Excel users, offering more flexibility and fewer headaches compared to VLOOKUP. If you have access to Excel 365 or Excel 2021, it’s time to embrace XLOOKUP and unlock its potential.

However, if you’re stuck with an older version of Excel, VLOOKUP remains a reliable choice for your data lookup needs.

Now that you know the differences, which one will you use in your next project? 😊

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Nazim Khan (Author) 📞 +91 9536250020
[MBA in Finance]

Nazim Khan is an expert in Microsoft Excel. He teaches people how to use it better. He has been doing this for more than ten years. He is running this website (TechGuruPlus.com) and a YouTube channel called "Business Excel" since 2016. He shares useful tips from his own experiences to help others improve their Excel skills and careers.