Deep Dive Into Lookup Functions In Excel

Master VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, INDEX & MATCH to Search and Retrieve Data Like a Pro

What you'll learn

Students will understand how lookup tables work and when to use them.

They’ll use the CHOOSE function to return values like months or weekdays.

Learners will combine CHOOSE with controls like option buttons for flexibility.

They’ll perform range and exact-match lookups using the VLOOKUP function.

Students will integrate drop-down lists with lookup formulas for interactivity.

They’ll use INDEX and MATCH to create dynamic and flexible lookups.

Learners will look up values using list boxes and any column as the key.

They’ll build lookups that work across both rows and columns.

Students will explore modern XLOOKUP for more powerful lookup capabilities.

They’ll perform multi-column and drop-down-based lookups using XLOOKUP.

Requirements

Microsoft Excel (Office 2021 or Microsoft 365) installed.

Basic knowledge of Excel (e.g., entering data, simple calculations).

Access to a computer with a stable internet connection.

No prior advanced Excel skills required; suitable for beginners.

Description

Working with Lookup Functions, provides learners with the essential tools and techniques to retrieve and reference data efficiently in Excel using various lookup functions. This chapter starts by explaining the structure and purpose of lookup tables, then introduces the CHOOSE function. Students will use CHOOSE to return specific values like fiscal months or days of the week and learn to integrate this function with worksheet controls such as option buttons to make their spreadsheets more interactive and responsive.The chapter then dives into classic lookup methods with VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP, guiding learners through both approximate and exact-match lookups. Practical examples include returning discount or tax rates and using drop-down lists to dynamically drive lookup values. These real-world scenarios help students understand how to make their formulas both flexible and user-friendly.As the course progresses, students will master INDEX and MATCH, a powerful combination that offers more control and adaptability than traditional lookup functions. They’ll learn to perform lookups across any row or column, handle dynamic data structures, and return values from multiple columns based on variable input.The chapter concludes with an in-depth look at XLOOKUP, the modern replacement for older lookup functions. Students will learn to perform exact and multi-column lookups using any column as the search key, integrate XLOOKUP with drop-downs, and build responsive worksheets that adjust automatically as data changes.By the end of Chapter 7, learners will have a strong grasp of both legacy and modern lookup functions in Excel. They’ll be able to create intelligent, dynamic spreadsheets that locate and return the right data efficiently, making their work faster, more accurate, and better organized. This chapter is ideal for anyone working in Office 2021 or Microsoft 365 who wants to unlock the full power of lookup functions in Excel.

Overview

Section 1: Working with Lookup Functions

Lecture 1 Working with Lookup Functions

Lecture 2 Taking a Look at Excel's Lookup Functions

Lecture 3 Understanding Lookup Tables

Lecture 4 The CHOOSE Function

Lecture 5 Using CHOOSE Function to Determine Month of the Fiscal Year

Lecture 6 Using CHOOSE Function to Determine Day of the Week

Lecture 7 Integrating CHOOSE and Worksheet Option Buttons

Lecture 8 Looking Up Values in Ranges or Tables

Lecture 9 VLOOKUP & Returning a Customer Discount Rate with a Range Lookup

Lecture 10 VLOOKUP & Returning a Tax Rate with a Range Lookup

Lecture 11 VLOOKUP & Finding Exact Matches

Lecture 12 Combining Exact-Match Lookups With In-Cell Drop-Down Lists

Lecture 13 Advanced Lookup Operations - Index & Match Functions

Lecture 14 Looking Up a Value Using Worksheet List Boxes

Lecture 15 Using Any Column as the Lookup Column

Lecture 16 Creating Row and Column Lookups

Lecture 17 Creating Multiple - Column Lookups

Lecture 18 Modern Lookups with XLOOKUP

Lecture 19 Combining Exact-Match Lookups With In-Cell Drop-Down Lists with XLOOKUP

Lecture 20 Using Any Column as the Lookup Column with XLOOKUP

Lecture 21 Creating Multiple-Column Lookups with XLOOKUP

This course is for Excel users who want to retrieve data efficiently from tables and lists.,It’s ideal for professionals who need to automate pricing, tax rates, or discount lookups.,Anyone managing structured data and needing to search across rows or columns will benefit.,It’s great for learners who want to understand and apply VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, and XLOOKUP.,This course suits users who want to use drop-downs and list boxes for dynamic lookups.,It’s designed for those who need to build flexible formulas with INDEX and MATCH.,Students working with multi-column lookups or custom input tools like option buttons will benefit.,It’s for those transitioning from traditional lookup methods to modern dynamic functions.,Users aiming to create smarter worksheets that respond to user input will find it helpful.