The VLOOKUP function returns any datatype such as a string, numeric, date, etc. If you specify FALSE for the approximate_match parameter and no exact match is found, then the VLOOKUP function will return #N/A.
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Can VLOOKUP return numbers?
Either the first column in the table contains lookup values that are numbers stored as text, or the table contains numbers, but the lookup value itself is a number stored as text. In either case, VLOOKUP will return an #N/A error, even when there appears to be a match.
Why does my VLOOKUP return the formula?
It appears that the cell containing the VLOOKUP formula is incorrectly formatted as Text when the formula is entered. Consequently, the “formula” is interpreted as text, not a formula. Simply changing the cell format does not immediately change the type of cell contents. The “formula” is still interpreted as text.
Why does my VLOOKUP keep returning na?
The most common cause of the #N/A error is with VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, LOOKUP, or MATCH functions if a formula can’t find a referenced value. For example, your lookup value doesn’t exist in the source data. In this case there is no “Banana” listed in the lookup table, so VLOOKUP returns a #N/A error.
How do I get VLOOKUP to return text?
In order to convert the number value to text, mention the format text argument as zero (0). After applying the VLOOKUP Formula answer is shown below. As usual select remaining arguments of the VLOOKUP function and complete the formula. You should get the result for your VLOOKUP function.
Can VLOOKUP return a text value?
Yes. VLOOKUP can search for textual values just as well as it can search for numbers. The example above would search for the product names, which are text rather than numbers.
What is the difference between lookup and VLOOKUP in Excel?
Knowing the difference between LOOKUP vs VLOOKUP Functions in Excel enables users to take full advantage of the benefits of using each function.This guide will outline why it’s better to use LOOKUP instead of VLOOKUP or HLOOKUP. While VLOOKUP searches for the value in a column, HLOOKUP searches for the value in a row.
Does VLOOKUP work with general format?
Numbers are formatted as text
Another source N/A errors in VLOOKUP formulas is numbers being formatted as text, either in the main or lookup table.The numbers can also be stored in the General format.
Why is my VLOOKUP pulling wrong data?
VLOOKUP returning incorrect results
If you omit to supply match type in a range_lookup argument of VLOOKUP then by default it searches for approximate match values, if it does not find exact match value. And if table_array is not sorted in ascending order by the first column, then VLOOKUP returns incorrect results.
How do I turn a VLOOKUP into a value?
Here it is:
- Select the cells for which you want to convert formulas to values.
- Bring your mouse cursor over the outline of the selected cells. (You will see an icon of four arrows pointing in the four directions).
- Press the RIGHT button of your mouse.
- Click on Copy Here as Values only.
- That’s it.
How do I VLOOKUP specific text in a cell?
2 Useful Methods to Apply VLOOKUP If Cell Contains a Word within Text in Excel
- =VLOOKUP(“*”&C13&”*”,B4:C11,2,FALSE)
- =VLOOKUP(VALUE(LEFT(B13,3)),D4:E10,2,FALSE)
- =XLOOKUP(“*”&C13&”*”,B4:B11,C4:C11,”Not Found”,2)
How do I VLOOKUP text and numbers?
2. If your lookup value is number format, and the ID number in the original table is stored as text, the above formula will not work, you should apply this formula: =VLOOKUP(TEXT(G1,0),A2:D15,2,FALSE) to get the correct result as you need.
What format does VLOOKUP need to be in?
The format of the VLOOKUP function is: VLOOKUP(lookup_value,table_array,col_index_num,range_lookup). The lookup_value is the user input. This is the value that the function uses to search on.
Can VLOOKUP return multiple rows?
Well, VLOOKUP is designed to return a single value, not multiple values. That is, VLOOKUP scans down the lookup range and stops at the first matching row … ignoring any additional matching rows. Once VLOOKUP finds a matching row, it shoots to the right to retrieve the related value from a single column.
How do I copy a VLOOKUP formula from one cell to another?
Click and hold the mouse button on the fill handle. Drag the mouse down the spreadsheet until you reach the last row where you want the VLookup formula to reside. Release the mouse button, and the formula will be instantly copied to all the rows between the original cell and the cell where you released the button.
Can you copy and paste a VLOOKUP formula?
Press Ctrl + C to copy the formula. Select a cell or a range of cells where you want to paste the formula (to select non-adjacent ranges, press and hold the Ctrl key). Press Ctrl + V to paste the formula.
Why doesn’t VLOOKUP work on some cells?
Problem: The lookup column is not sorted in the ascending order. If the range_lookup argument is set to TRUE—and one of your lookup columns is not sorted in the ascending (A-Z) order—you will see the #N/A error. Solution: Change the VLOOKUP function to look for an exact match.
What are the disadvantages of VLOOKUP?
Limitations of VLOOKUP
One major limitation of VLOOKUP is that it cannot look to the left. The values to lookup must always be on the left-most column of the range and the values to return must be on the right hand side. You cannot use the standard VLOOKUP to look at the columns and the rows to find an exact match.
What is better than VLOOKUP?
The superior alternative to VLOOKUP is INDEX MATCH. While VLOOKUP works fine in most cases, it tends to reveal flaws when you start using it in large and complex sheets. The INDEX MATCH formula is actually two different functions; INDEX and MATCH. array is range of cells or an array constant.
What replaced VLOOKUP?
XLOOKUP
VLOOKUP is one of Excel’s most popular functions, especially among accountants. However, it is also plagued with issues. Microsoft has finally created VLOOKUP’s replacement, XLOOKUP, which removes the limitations and adds extra functionality.
How do I save an Excel file as values only?
You could try to just select all sheets (select the leftmost one, then shift-click on the last one), then select all cells (the small box left of column A and above row 1), then copy & paste as values.