Lookup Formula Overview
By combining Excel's VLOOKUP function with the COLUMN function we can create a lookup formula that allows you to return multiple values from a single row of a database or table of data.
In the example shown in the image above, the lookup formula makes it easy to return all values - such as price, part number, and supplier - related to various pieces of hardware.
Excel VLOOKUP - COLUMN Formula Step by Step Tutorial
Following the steps listed below creates the lookup formula seen in the image above that will return multiple values from a single data record.
The lookup formula requires that the COLUMN function be nested inside of VLOOKUP.
Nesting a function involves entering the second function as one of the arguments for the first function.
In this tutorial, the COLUMN function will be entered as the column index number argument for VLOOKUP.
The last step in the tutorial involves copying the lookup formula to additional columns in order to retrieve additional values for the chosen part.
Tutorial Contents
- Entering the Tutorial Data
- Creating a Named Range for the Data Table
- Starting the VLOOKUP Function
- Entering the Lookup Value Argument using Absolute Cell References
- Entering the Table Array Argument
- Entering the Nested COLUMN Function
- Completing the VLOOKUP Function
- Copying the Lookup Formula with the Fill Handle
- Retrieving Data with the Lookup Formula
