HLOOKUP vs VLOOKUP: Understanding the Key Differences
When working with spreadsheets, particularly in Microsoft Excel, the need to retrieve specific data quickly and accurately is common. Lookup functions in Excel such as HLOOKUP and VLOOKUP are essential tools for this task. They help users search for a value in a table or array and return corresponding information. Despite serving a similar purpose, they differ in the way they operate across rows and columns. Choosing between HLOOKUP vs VLOOKUP depends on the structure of your data and the type of lookup you require.
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- Professional Career, Professional Development
Table of Contents
VLOOKUP: Searching Vertically in Excel
VLOOKUP, short for “Vertical Lookup,” is one of the most commonly used functions in Excel. It searches for a value in the first column of a specified table and returns a corresponding value from another column.
The vlookup formula typically looks like this:
Where:
lookup_value is the value you want to search for.
table_array is the table where the search will happen.
column_index_number refers to the column number in the table from which the value should be returned.
range_lookup defines whether you want an exact match (
FALSE) or an approximate match (TRUE).
The vlookup function returns a value by looking vertically down the first column of the table. If an exact match or an approximate match is needed, users must specify it. The first column of table_array needs to contain the lookup value.
VLOOKUP is used when your comparison values are located in a column, typically to the left of the data you want to retrieve. However, vlookup cannot search data that lies to the left of the lookup column.
Important to note: If the table_array is sorted in ascending order, VLOOKUP can find the largest value that is less than or equal to the lookup_value if using an approximate match.
HLOOKUP: Searching Horizontally in Excel
HLOOKUP, or “Horizontal Lookup,” operates similarly to VLOOKUP but searches across rows instead of columns. It is designed for data that is arranged horizontally.
The hlookup formula is:
Here:
lookup_value is the value you are looking for.
table_array is where Excel will search.
row_index_number tells Excel which row to return the data from.
range_lookup again determines an exact match or approximate match.
HLOOKUP searches for a value in the top row of a table or array and returns the value from a specified row number.
Use HLOOKUP when your comparison values are located in the top row of the table. The lookup value must be in the first row of the table_array. Like VLOOKUP, if you’re looking for an approximate match, the data must be sorted in ascending order.
One limitation is that HLOOKUP cannot search values vertically; it is strictly a row-based search.
HLOOKUP vs VLOOKUP: Main Differences
The comparison of HLOOKUP vs VLOOKUP boils down to the direction of the search: rows versus columns.
VLOOKUP searches vertically through the first column of your table.
HLOOKUP searches horizontally across the first row of your table.
When deciding between hlookup and vlookup, think about how your spreadsheet is structured. If your comparison values are along the top row, you should use hlookup. If they are down the side, use vlookup.
Additionally, both functions struggle when your data changes frequently, as they depend heavily on the layout of the table_array. An update might require adjustments in your vlookup formula or hlookup formula.
VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP Functions Compared to XLOOKUP
With newer versions of Excel, especially Microsoft Office 365, a more advanced function called XLOOKUP is available. The xlookup function offers a powerful alternative to both hlookup and vlookup.
XLOOKUP can search both vertically and horizontally, supports exact match by default, and does not require the lookup value to be in the first row or first column. It simplifies the lookup function by addressing many limitations found in vlookup and hlookup.
In contrast to hlookup and vlookup functions, XLOOKUP does not require you to count columns or rows (as with the index number in traditional formulas) and can return results to the left or above the lookup value.
If you are using Office 365 or a newer version of Excel, it is highly recommended to use xlookup for a better experience with lookup functions in Excel.
When Should You Use HLOOKUP and VLOOKUP?
When to Use VLOOKUP
Your comparison values are located in the first column.
You want to search vertically down the rows.
Your table_array is organized vertically.
When to Use HLOOKUP
Your comparison values are located in the first row.
You want to search horizontally across columns.
Your spreadsheet is organized horizontally.
Use the HLOOKUP when your comparison values sit along the top row of a table. Remember, the value in the first row must match the lookup_value, and if seeking an approximate match, the top row needs to be sorted in ascending order.
HLOOKUP and VLOOKUP Functions in Modern Excel Workflows
Despite the emergence of xlookup, the hlookup function in excel and vlookup functions in excel still have their place in many legacy files and basic workflows. Understanding vlookup and hlookup ensures you can work with a broad range of Excel spreadsheets, regardless of whether they are built using older functions in Excel or newer ones.
Both hlookup and vlookup functions are fundamental to performing fast searches within a dataset and automating repetitive tasks. Their limitations—like not being able to search left (in the case of vlookup) or up (for hlookup)—can often be overcome by combining them with INDEX and MATCH functions.
For example, using the INDEX function along with MATCH can create flexible lookups without the rigid structure demanded by vlookup or hlookup.
Conclusion: Mastering Lookup Functions in Excel
Understanding the distinction between HLOOKUP vs VLOOKUP is critical for anyone serious about mastering functions available in Excel. Whether you use hlookup for horizontal data or use vlookup for vertical searches, both are essential building blocks for efficient spreadsheet management.
However, with the introduction of XLOOKUP, users now have an even more versatile tool that removes many of the limitations seen with the traditional lookup functions in Excel.
Nonetheless, learning vlookup and hlookup prepares you for any data scenario, especially when handling older files or when working within organizations that have not yet adopted the latest Microsoft Office 365 updates.
Whether it’s finding the exact match in a row or column, identifying a largest value that is less than the lookup_value, or efficiently scanning data in a spreadsheet, mastering these lookup functions offers a solid foundation in the world of Excel.
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