Copying the VLOOKUP Array Formula
The reason for turning VLOOKUP into an array formula was so we could have it retrieve data from multiple columns of the database at one time. Even though it is now an array formula, VLOOKUP can still only enter one item of data per cell.
To get multiple pieces of data from the database at one time, the VLOOKUP array formula must reside in multiple cells, and this is accomplished using copy and paste.
In this tutorial we want it to retrieve data from columns 2,3,4 of the database - that is the price, the part number, and the supplier's name when we enter a part name as the Lookup_value.
Tutorial Steps
- Click on cell E2 where the VLOOKUP function is located to make it the active cell.
- Use copy and paste or use the fill handle to copy the VLOOKUP function to cells F2 and G2.
- If done correctly, cells F2 and G2 should now also contain the #N/A error that is present in cell E2.
