Check out the brand new Excel function XLOOKUP

Microsoft introduces a new search function in Excel: XLOOKUP. This function replaces VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP functions. How does it work? Why has Microsoft decided to replace VLOOKUP? Read it in this article

XLOOKUP doesn't just help you search vertically, but also horizontally, as opposed to VLOOKUP or HLOOKUP. How do you search with this new Excel function? You need three elements - this is the formula:
XLOOKUP=(lookup_value,lookup_array,return_array)

How do I use this formula?

The XLOOKUP formula contains three parts:

• Lookup value: in this field you put what you are looking for
• Lookup array: you use this field for the location of the data you're looking for
• Return array: the data you want to appear in the empty cell

Curious? Watch the video below to find out how XLOOKUP works.

How do I boost this formula?

Do you need a more precise result? Add [if_not_found], [match_mode] and [search_mode] to the formula. These additions are used to expand the formula and the search possibilities.

You expand the possibilities of your search query like this: if not found makes sure you get data even though your lookup value stays empty. In Match_mode you write down what Excel needs to come up with if there isn't an exact match. In search_mode you write down the search mode. That means you've got multiple results and you can decide which result you want to show. Examples? Check out this Microsoft page.

I want to know more about Excel!

Need more Excel functions? Boost your Excel knowledge with 11 useful functions. Curious? Find the article containing the functions via the button below.