5 Ways To Use Vlookup Across Sheets

The VLOOKUP function is a powerful tool in Excel that allows users to search for a value in a table and return a corresponding value from another column. While it's commonly used within a single sheet, it can also be used across multiple sheets. In this article, we'll explore five ways to use VLOOKUP across sheets, making it easier to manage and analyze data across different worksheets.

Why Use VLOOKUP Across Sheets?

Before we dive into the methods, let's quickly discuss why using VLOOKUP across sheets is useful. In many cases, data is spread across multiple sheets, and it's necessary to link data between them. VLOOKUP allows you to perform lookups across sheets, making it easier to:

• Consolidate data from multiple sheets
• Create reports that draw data from different sheets
• Automate data entry and reduce errors
• Analyze data across multiple sheets

Method 1: Using the Sheet Name in the Table Array

One way to use VLOOKUP across sheets is to specify the sheet name in the table array. This method is useful when you need to perform a lookup in a table that's located on a different sheet.

The syntax for this method is:

VLOOKUP(lookup_value, 'sheet_name'!table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup])

For example:

=VLOOKUP(A2, 'Sheet2'!A:B, 2, FALSE)

In this example, the VLOOKUP function searches for the value in cell A2 in the first column of the range A:B on Sheet2, and returns the corresponding value in the second column.

Method 2: Using the INDIRECT Function

Another way to use VLOOKUP across sheets is to use the INDIRECT function. This method is useful when you need to perform a lookup in a table that's located on a different sheet, and the sheet name is dynamic.

The syntax for this method is:

VLOOKUP(lookup_value, INDIRECT("'sheet_name'!"&table_array), col_index_num, [range_lookup])

For example:

=VLOOKUP(A2, INDIRECT("'Sheet2'!"&A:B), 2, FALSE)

In this example, the INDIRECT function returns the range A:B on Sheet2, and the VLOOKUP function searches for the value in cell A2 in that range.

Method 3: Using the INDEX-MATCH Function

A third way to use VLOOKUP across sheets is to use the INDEX-MATCH function. This method is useful when you need to perform a lookup in a table that's located on a different sheet, and you need more flexibility than VLOOKUP provides.

The syntax for this method is:

INDEX('sheet_name'!table_array, MATCH(lookup_value, 'sheet_name'!lookup_array, [match_type])

For example:

=INDEX('Sheet2'!B:B, MATCH(A2, 'Sheet2'!A:A, 0))

In this example, the INDEX function returns the value in the second column of the range B:B on Sheet2, based on the match found by the MATCH function.

Method 4: Using a Pivot Table

A fourth way to use VLOOKUP across sheets is to use a Pivot Table. This method is useful when you need to summarize data from multiple sheets.

To create a Pivot Table, follow these steps:

1. Select the data range on one of the sheets.
2. Go to the "Insert" tab and click on "PivotTable".
3. Select a cell to place the Pivot Table.
4. Configure the Pivot Table to summarize the data from multiple sheets.

Method 5: Using Power Query

A fifth way to use VLOOKUP across sheets is to use Power Query. This method is useful when you need to perform complex data analysis and manipulation across multiple sheets.

To use Power Query, follow these steps:

1. Go to the "Data" tab and click on "New Query".
2. Select "From Other Sources" and then "From Microsoft Query".
3. Configure the query to perform the lookup across sheets.

Gallery of VLOOKUP Across Sheets Examples

VLOOKUP Across Sheets Examples

We hope this article has helped you learn how to use VLOOKUP across sheets in Excel. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, these methods can help you streamline your data analysis and management tasks. Try them out and see which one works best for you!

What's your favorite method for using VLOOKUP across sheets? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!