How to Use VLOOKUP in Google Sheets
VLOOKUP searches for a value in the first column of a range and returns a value in the same row from a specified column.
Understand VLOOKUP Syntax
VLOOKUP(search_key, range, index, [is_sorted]). The search_key is what you are looking for, range is the data table, index is the column number to return from.
Set the Search Key
The search key must be in the first column of your range. VLOOKUP always searches the first column.
Specify the Column Index
Count columns from the left of your range. If you want data from the 3rd column, use index 3.
💡 The index starts at 1 for the first column in the range.
Set the Sorted Parameter
Use FALSE for an exact match (most common). Use TRUE for an approximate match (like tax brackets). Always use FALSE unless you need approximate matching.
Try These Templates
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP?
VLOOKUP searches vertically (by column). HLOOKUP searches horizontally (by row).
Why is my VLOOKUP returning N/A?
The search key may not exist in the first column, or there may be extra spaces. Use TRIM() to clean data.