What Does VLOOKUP Formula Return?
Learn exactly what values VLOOKUP returns and understand its output in different scenarios.
Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about what does vlookup formula return?
Overview
VLOOKUP returns the value from a specified column in the same row as the matched lookup value. The return value can be text, numbers, dates, or even formulas, depending on what's stored in the target cell. Understanding what VLOOKUP returns helps you predict and control your formula outcomes.
Exact Match Returns
When VLOOKUP finds an exact match (using FALSE for range_lookup), it returns the precise value from the specified column. This could be text, numbers, dates, or any other data type stored in that cell.
Approximate Match Returns
With approximate match (TRUE), VLOOKUP returns the value corresponding to the largest value that is less than or equal to the lookup value. This is useful for range lookups like tax brackets or grade scales.
Error Returns
VLOOKUP returns #N/A when no match is found, #REF! when column index exceeds table range, #VALUE! for invalid arguments, and #NAME? for syntax errors.
Data Type Preservation
VLOOKUP preserves the original data type and formatting of the returned value. Numbers remain numbers, dates stay as dates, and text returns as text. However, cell formatting may not transfer unless specifically applied.
✨Best Practices
- Always specify FALSE for exact matches unless you need approximate matching
- Use IFERROR() to handle #N/A returns gracefully
- Verify that your column index number is within the table range
- Check data types in both lookup and return columns for consistency
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about what does vlookup formula return?
Key Takeaways
- Understand the core concepts and syntax of what does vlookup formula return?
- Apply best practices to avoid common errors and improve formula reliability
- Use real-world examples to practice and reinforce your learning
- Master the fundamental building blocks of VLOOKUP
- Recognize when and where to use VLOOKUP effectively
Ready to Put This Into Practice?
Use our AI-powered VLOOKUP assistant to create, test, and optimize your formulas with real-time guidance.