Introduction to Vlookup Multiple Criteria
The Vlookup function in Excel is a powerful tool used for looking up and retrieving data from a table based on a specific value. However, one of its limitations is the ability to look up data based on multiple criteria. In this article, we will explore five ways to perform a Vlookup with multiple criteria in Excel.Method 1: Using the Index/Match Function
One of the most common methods to perform a Vlookup with multiple criteria is by using the Index/Match function combination. This method is more flexible and powerful than the traditional Vlookup function. The syntax for this function is:=INDEX(range, MATCH(1, (criteria1) * (criteria2), 0))
Where:
- range is the range of cells that contains the value you want to return
- criteria1 and criteria2 are the criteria you want to look up
For example, suppose we have a table with the following data:
| Name | Age | City | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| John | 25 | New York | 50000 |
| Jane | 30 | Los Angeles | 60000 |
| Bob | 25 | New York | 55000 |
=INDEX(D:D, MATCH(1, (A:A=“John”) * (B:B=25) * (C:C=“New York”), 0))
Method 2: Using the Filter Function
Another method to perform a Vlookup with multiple criteria is by using the Filter function, which is available in Excel 2019 and later versions. The syntax for this function is:=FILTER(range, (criteria1) * (criteria2))
Where:
- range is the range of cells that contains the value you want to return
- criteria1 and criteria2 are the criteria you want to look up
Using the same example as above, to look up the salary of John who is 25 years old and lives in New York, we can use the following formula:
=FILTER(D:D, (A:A=“John”) * (B:B=25) * (C:C=“New York”))
Method 3: Using the Vlookup Function with Multiple Criteria
We can also use the Vlookup function with multiple criteria by using an array formula. The syntax for this function is:=VLOOKUP(1, (criteria1) * (criteria2), range, FALSE)
Where:
- criteria1 and criteria2 are the criteria you want to look up
- range is the range of cells that contains the value you want to return
Using the same example as above, to look up the salary of John who is 25 years old and lives in New York, we can use the following formula:
=VLOOKUP(1, (A:A=“John”) * (B:B=25) * (C:C=“New York”), D:D, FALSE)
Note: This formula is an array formula, so you need to press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to enter it.
Method 4: Using the Xlookup Function
The Xlookup function is a new function in Excel 2019 and later versions that can be used to look up data based on multiple criteria. The syntax for this function is:=XLOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_array, return_array, [if_not_found], [match_mode], [search_mode])
Where:
- lookup_value is the value you want to look up
- lookup_array is the range of cells that contains the value you want to look up
- return_array is the range of cells that contains the value you want to return
Using the same example as above, to look up the salary of John who is 25 years old and lives in New York, we can use the following formula:
=XLOOKUP(“John”, A:A, D:D, “”, 0, 1) * XLOOKUP(25, B:B, D:D, “”, 0, 1) * XLOOKUP(“New York”, C:C, D:D, “”, 0, 1)
Method 5: Using Power Query
Finally, we can use Power Query to perform a Vlookup with multiple criteria. Power Query is a powerful tool in Excel that allows us to import, transform, and analyze data. To use Power Query, we need to follow these steps: * Select the table that contains the data * Go to the Data tab and click on From Table/Range * Select the table and click on OK * In the Power Query Editor, click on Add Column and select Custom Column * Enter the formula to look up the data based on multiple criteria * Click on OK and load the data into ExcelFor example, using the same example as above, to look up the salary of John who is 25 years old and lives in New York, we can use the following formula:
= Table.LookupValue(#“Table1”, “Name”, “John”, “Age”, 25, “City”, “New York”, “Salary”)
📝 Note: Power Query is a powerful tool that requires some knowledge and experience to use effectively.
In summary, there are several ways to perform a Vlookup with multiple criteria in Excel, including using the Index/Match function combination, the Filter function, the Vlookup function with multiple criteria, the Xlookup function, and Power Query. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on the specific requirements of the task.
To recap, the key points to take away from this article are: * The Index/Match function combination is a powerful and flexible method for performing a Vlookup with multiple criteria * The Filter function is a new function in Excel 2019 and later versions that can be used to look up data based on multiple criteria * The Vlookup function with multiple criteria can be used by using an array formula * The Xlookup function is a new function in Excel 2019 and later versions that can be used to look up data based on multiple criteria * Power Query is a powerful tool that can be used to import, transform, and analyze data
What is the difference between the Index/Match function combination and the Vlookup function?
+
The Index/Match function combination is more flexible and powerful than the Vlookup function, as it allows for multiple criteria and can return values from any column. The Vlookup function, on the other hand, can only return values from the column to the right of the lookup column.
Can I use the Filter function in older versions of Excel?
+
No, the Filter function is only available in Excel 2019 and later versions. In older versions of Excel, you can use the Index/Match function combination or the Vlookup function with multiple criteria instead.
How do I use Power Query to perform a Vlookup with multiple criteria?
+
To use Power Query to perform a Vlookup with multiple criteria, you need to select the table that contains the data, go to the Data tab and click on From Table/Range, select the table and click on OK, and then use the LookupValue function to look up the data based on multiple criteria.