How to use the XLOOKUP function in Excel?
XLOOKUP is a modern function in Excel that replaces old functions such as VLOOKUP. 1. The basic syntax is XLOOKUP (find value, find array, return array, [value not found], [match pattern], [search pattern]); 2. Accurate search can be achieved, such as =XLOOKUP("P002", A2:A4, B2:B4) returns 15.49; 3. Customize the prompt when not found through the fourth parameter, such as "Product not found"; 4. Set the matching pattern to 2. Use wildcards to perform fuzzy search, such as "Joh*" to match names starting with John; 5. Set the search pattern to -1 and search from behind to front to return the last match; 6. Nesting two XLOOKUPs It can realize two-way searches, such as positioning data based on row and column titles; compared with VLOOKUP, it does not require column indexing, can look up to the left, defaults to precise matching, and is more suitable for structural changes. It is suitable for Excel 365 and newer versions, making data searches more efficient and accurate.
The XLOOKUP function in Excel is a modern, flexible replacement for older lookup functions like VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, and INDEX/MATCH. It's easier to use and more powerful. Here's how to use it effectively.

Basic Syntax of XLOOKUP
The general structure of the XLOOKUP function is:
XLOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_array, return_array, [if_not_found], [match_mode], [search_mode])
Let's break down each argument:

- lookup_value : The value you want to search for (eg, a product ID or name).
- lookup_array : The range or array where Excel should look for the lookup_value (eg, a column of IDs).
- return_array : The range or array from which to return a value (eg, a column of prices).
- [if_not_found] (optional): What to return if no match is found (eg, "Not Found").
- [match_mode] (optional): How to match (0 = exact match, -1 = exact or next smaller, 1 = exact or next larger, 2 = wildcard).
- [search_mode] (optional): How to search (1 = first to last, -1 = last to first, 2 = binary ascending, -2 = binary descending).
1. Simple Exact Match Lookup
Suppose you have a table with product IDs in column A and prices in column B:
A | B |
---|---|
P001 | 10.99 |
P002 | 15.49 |
P003 | 8.99 |
To find the price for product ID "P002":

=XLOOKUP("P002", A2:A4, B2:B4)
This returns 15.49 .
You can also reference a cell instead of typing the value:
=XLOOKUP(D2, A2:A4, B2:B4)
Where D2 contains "P002".
2. Handle Missing Values with a Custom Message
If the lookup value might not exist, use the fourth argument to avoid #N/A errors.
=XLOOKUP("P005", A2:A4, B2:B4, "Product not found")
This returns "Product not found" instead of an error.
3. Use Wildcards for Partial Matches
With match_mode = 2
, you can use wildcards like *
and ?
.
Example: Find a name that starts with "Joh":
=XLOOKUP("Joh*", A2:A10, B2:B10, "Not found", 2)
This matches "John", "Johnny", etc.
4. Search from Bottom to Top
By default, XLOOKUP finds the first match from top to bottom. To find the last match, set search_mode = -1
.
Example: Find the last occurrence of "Apple" in a list:
=XLOOKUP("Apple", A2:A10, B2:B10, "Not found", 0, -1)
This is useful when dealing with duplicate entries and you want the most recent one.
5. Two-Way Lookup (Rows and Columns)
You can combine two XLOOKUPs to look up data based on both row and column values.
Suppose you have a table with products in rows and months in columns:
B | C | D | |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Jan | Feb | |
2 | P001 | 100 | 120 |
3 | P002 | 80 | 90 |
To get the sales for P001 in Feb:
=XLOOKUP("P001", A2:A3, XLOOKUP("Feb", B1:D1, B2:D3))
This first finds the "Feb" column, then looks up "P001" in that column.
Key Advantages Over VLOOKUP
- No need to count columns (no column index number).
- Can look to the left (unlike VLOOKUP).
- Safer defaults (exact match by default).
- Handles insert/delete of columns better.
- Supports advanced options like reverse search and wildcards.
XLOOKUP works in Excel 365 and Excel 2021 or later. If you're using an older version, consider upgrading or using INDEX/MATCH instead.
Basically, once you get used to it, XLOOKUP makes finding data faster and less error-prone.
The above is the detailed content of How to use the XLOOKUP function in Excel?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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