How to use VLOOKUP in Google Sheets
Learn how to write a VLOOKUP formula in Google Sheets to search a table and pull matching values into any cell automatically.
Quick answer
To use VLOOKUP, click an empty cell and type =VLOOKUP(search_key, range, index, is_sorted). Set search_key as the value to find, range as the data table, index as the column number holding results, and is_sorted to FALSE for exact matches. Press Enter and Google Sheets returns the matching value automatically.
Steps at a glance
- Select the cell where you want the VLOOKUP result to appear.
- Type =VLOOKUP( to start the formula.
- Enter the search_key, the value you want to look up.
- Enter the range containing your lookup and result columns.
- Enter the index, the column number holding the result.
- Set is_sorted to FALSE for exact matches, TRUE for approximate.
- Press Enter to run the formula and see the result.
Summary
VLOOKUP is a Google Sheets function that searches for a value in the first column of a range and returns a matching value from another column in the same row. It's one of the most useful tools for pulling related data across large tables without manually cross-referencing rows.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Set up your data with a lookup column
Make sure the column you'll search by (like a product name or ID) is the leftmost column in your lookup range. VLOOKUP always searches the first column of the range you give it, so if your data isn't arranged this way, rearrange or use add columns to reorganize before writing the formula.
Step 2
Select the destination cell and start the formula
Click the empty cell where you want the matched result to appear, then type =VLOOKUP( to begin. Google Sheets will show a small formula hint box above the cell listing the four arguments you need to fill in.
Step 3
Enter the search key
Type the value you're searching for, or click the cell reference that contains it, followed by a comma. This is typically a name, ID, or code you want Google Sheets to find within your data table.
Step 4
Define the lookup range
After the search key, enter the range of cells covering your entire table, including the lookup column and the columns containing results you want returned. For example, A2:D50 would include four columns of data starting from your search column.
Step 5
Set the column index number
Enter the column number within your range that holds the value you want returned, counting from 1 starting at the leftmost column of the range. If your result is in the third column of the range, type 3.
Step 6
Choose exact or approximate match
Type FALSE as the last argument for an exact match, which is recommended for most lookups like names or IDs. Use TRUE only when your data is sorted and you want the closest match below the search key, then close the parenthesis and press Enter.
Step 7
Copy the formula down for more rows
Click the small blue square at the bottom-right corner of the cell and drag it down to apply VLOOKUP to additional rows. Lock the range with dollar signs (like $A$2:$D$50) first so it doesn't shift as you copy the formula.
Why this matters
You've got a product list in one tab and prices in another, and you need matching prices to show up next to each order automatically. Instead of scrolling back and forth to copy values by hand, VLOOKUP does the matching for you and updates instantly when your data changes.
Frequently asked questions
Can VLOOKUP pull data from a different sheet?
Yes. Reference the other sheet's name in the range argument, like =VLOOKUP(A2, Sheet2!A2:D50, 3, FALSE). Make sure the sheet name matches exactly, including spaces, and wrap it in single quotes if it contains spaces.
Is VLOOKUP case-sensitive?
No, VLOOKUP treats uppercase and lowercase letters as identical when matching text. If you need a case-sensitive lookup, you'll need to combine it with an EXACT function instead.
What's the difference between TRUE and FALSE in VLOOKUP?
FALSE finds an exact match only and returns an error if none exists, which is best for most lookups. TRUE finds the closest match in a sorted range, useful for things like grading scales or tiered pricing.
Why does VLOOKUP return the first match only?
VLOOKUP always returns the first matching result it finds in the range, even if duplicate values exist. If you need all matches, consider using a filter or pivot table to see every matching row.
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