Difference between XLOOKUP and VLOOKUP
XLOOKUP and VLOOKUP are two functions in Excel that are used to search for and retrieve values from a table or range. Although they serve a similar purpose, there are key differences between the two that can affect their usage and efficiency in different scenarios. In this article, we will discuss the difference between XLOOKUP and VLOOKUP, and when to use each function.
Firstly, let’s talk about VLOOKUP. VLOOKUP is a vertical lookup function that searches for a value in the first column of a table and returns a value in the same row from a specified column. It requires three arguments: the lookup value, the range to search in, and the column index number from which to retrieve the value. VLOOKUP is limited to searching from left to right and cannot handle wildcards or approximate matches.
On the other hand, XLOOKUP is a more versatile function that can perform both vertical and horizontal lookups. It can search for a value in any column of a table or range and return a value from any column. XLOOKUP requires four arguments: the lookup value, the range to search in, the column index number from which to retrieve the value, and an optional fourth argument for the search direction. XLOOKUP supports wildcards and can perform approximate matches, making it more flexible than VLOOKUP.
One of the main differences between XLOOKUP and VLOOKUP is their search direction. VLOOKUP searches from left to right, while XLOOKUP allows you to specify the search direction as either ascending or descending. This makes XLOOKUP more suitable for scenarios where you need to search for values in descending order, such as sorting data in a descending manner.
Another significant difference is the ability to handle wildcards. XLOOKUP supports wildcards, which are special characters used to represent one or more unknown characters in a search. For example, the asterisk () represents any number of characters, and the question mark (?) represents a single unknown character. VLOOKUP, on the other hand, does not support wildcards, which can limit its effectiveness in certain situations.
In terms of approximate matches, XLOOKUP allows you to specify whether you want to perform an exact match or an approximate match. An approximate match is useful when you want to search for a value within a range of values. VLOOKUP also supports approximate matches but requires the fourth argument to be set to TRUE.
In conclusion, the difference between XLOOKUP and VLOOKUP lies in their versatility, search direction, and support for wildcards and approximate matches. While VLOOKUP is limited to vertical lookups and cannot handle wildcards or approximate matches, XLOOKUP offers more flexibility and can be used for both vertical and horizontal lookups. It is essential to understand these differences to choose the appropriate function for your specific needs.
