


In this piece, we will delve into a comprehensive comparison of XLOOKUP and VLOOKUP functions in Excel.
Feel free to download the Excel Workbook provided below to enhance your understanding of the differences between XLOOKUP and VLOOKUP – download excel workbook VLOOKUP-vs-XLOOKUP-1.xlsx
#1 – Placement of Lookup Value
VLOOKUP demands that the lookup value be situated in the leftmost column of the table, whereas XLOOKUP has no such limitation. XLOOKUP permits searching for values in any column within the table range, offering greater flexibility and adaptability to diverse data setups.
For instance, if you wish to find an individual's first name based on their joining date:
=VLOOKUP(G2,B2:D32,3,0)
=XLOOKUP(G6,D2:D32,B2:B32,0)
In this scenario, VLOOKUP cannot yield the correct outcome because it would search for "1004" in Column A, and since "1004" is absent from that column, VLOOKUP would fail to retrieve the correct first name.
Let's explore how the XLOOKUP formula functions in this context:
=XLOOKUP(H6,A1:E1,A2:E2)
Here,
- H6 represents the value to be searched.
- A1:E1 is the range where Excel searches for the specified value (G6).
- A2:E2 is the range from which Excel retrieves a corresponding value upon finding a match.
XLOOKUP will locate "1004" within the employee ID range (A1:E1) and return the corresponding first name "Josan" from the range of first names (A2:E2).
#3 – Searching from Bottom to Top
A significant advantage of XLOOKUP over VLOOKUP is its ability to search from the bottom to the top of the data range. VLOOKUP, in contrast, only allows searches from top to bottom. This feature is particularly useful when handling datasets sorted in descending order.
Suppose you want to find the joining date of the last employee named "Lena" on the list:
=VLOOKUP(G2,B2:D32,3,0)
=XLOOKUP(G6,B2:B32,D2:D32,,,-1)
VLOOKUP will return the first match it finds on the list.
Conversely, XLOOKUP provides an option to set the search mode to "last to first". When using this mode, Excel will start searching for the lookup value from the bottom of the data range and return the last matching result it finds.
=XLOOKUP(G6,B2:B32,D2:D32,,,-1)
Where,
- G6 is the value to be searched.
- B2:B32 is the range where Excel searches for the specified value (G6).
- D2:D32 is the range from which Excel retrieves a corresponding value upon finding a match.
- Optional arguments [if_not_found] and [match_mode] are omitted.
- -1 specifies the search mode, indicating a search from last to first.
Thus, XLOOKUP searches for "Lena" from the bottom and returns the corresponding date as 4/7/2022, while VLOOKUP returns the first match, 3/20/2022.
#4 – Handling No Matches
When VLOOKUP fails to find a match in the lookup array, it returns the #N/A error, which, while informative, may not be the most user-friendly approach to dealing with missing data. XLOOKUP, however, allows users to customize the text shown when a match is not found.
Suppose you want to retrieve the first name for the employee ID 1101:
=VLOOKUP(G2,A2:D32,2,0)
=XLOOKUP(G6,A2:A32,B2:B32,”Not Found”)
Since 1101 is not in the table array, VLOOKUP will return an error. XLOOKUP, on the other hand, allows you to specify text to display when a match is not found, resulting in "Not Found".
=XLOOKUP(G6,A2:A32,B2:B32,”Not Found”)
Where,
- G6 is the value to be searched.
- A2:A32 is the range where Excel searches for the specified value (G6).
- B2:B32 is the range from which Excel retrieves a corresponding value upon finding a match.
- "Not Found" is the text specified for the if_not_found argument, displayed when no match is found.
#5 – Compatibility Concerns
Although XLOOKUP is more versatile and useful, there may be situations where VLOOKUP is necessary. XLOOKUP is available to users with Microsoft 365 or Excel 2021. However, users with Excel 2019 or earlier versions do not have access to the XLOOKUP function.
When sharing a file containing XLOOKUP with someone using an older version of Excel, they will encounter compatibility issues. They can view the results of the XLOOKUP formula in your file, but attempting to modify the formula will result in a #NAME error. Therefore, it is recommended to use VLOOKUP, which is compatible with all Excel versions.
Conclusion
XLOOKUP and VLOOKUP are Excel functions designed for searching values and returning related results. XLOOKUP provides more flexibility than VLOOKUP, enabling both vertical and horizontal searches, while VLOOKUP is restricted to vertical searches only.
XLOOKUP also supports searching from the bottom to the top of the data range and allows for customized text for unmatched values, but it may not be available to users with older Excel versions, causing compatibility issues. In such scenarios, VLOOKUP remains a dependable choice for all users.
Click here to learn more about the XLOOKUP function in Excel.
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