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.
Who this course is for
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.
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