# Google Sheets XLOOKUP Function: Syntax, Examples & Tips - URL: https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/xlookup-function - Author: Better Analyst Formula Bot is now Better Analyst—same account, more powerful analysis.Formula Bot is now Better Analyst—same account and workflows, with more powerful analysis, dashboards, and automation. [Learn what changed](https://betteranalyst.com/formula-bot-is-now-better-analyst) The XLOOKUP function searches for a value in a range and returns a corresponding value from another range, replacing older lookup functions. ``` XLOOKUP(search_key, lookup_range, result_range, missing_value, [match_mode], [search_mode]) ``` Generate FormulaExplain Formula One free generation or explanation per browser, shared across Excel and Google Sheets. Account usage limits apply afterward. Describe the XLOOKUP you need in plain EnglishGenerate Formula ## Parameters **`search_key`**:\ The value that you want to search for within the `lookup_range`. This can be a number, text, or a cell reference. **`lookup_range`**:\ The range of cells that you want to search through to find the `search_key`. **`result_range`**:\ The range of cells that contains the values you want to return if a match is found in the `lookup_range`. **`missing_value`**:\ The value to return if the `search_key` is not found in the `lookup_range`. **`match_mode`**:\ (Optional) The mode that specifies how to match the `search_key` with the values in the `lookup_range`. It can be set to exact match, exact match or next smaller, exact match or next larger, etc. **`search_mode`**:\ (Optional) The mode that specifies the order in which to search the `lookup_range`. It can be set to search from first to last or last to first. ## What is an XLOOKUP? The *XLOOKUP* function in Google Sheets is a powerful tool used to search for a value in a range or array and return a corresponding value from another range or array. It is a more versatile and user-friendly alternative to older lookup functions like VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP. Unlike these older functions, XLOOKUP can search both vertically and horizontally, and it can return multiple results. In simpler terms, XLOOKUP allows you to find specific data in a table and retrieve related information from that table in a straightforward manner. ## A Practical Example Imagine you are managing a product inventory and sales records stored in an Excel spreadsheet: ### Products Table: | ProductID | ProductName | Price | | - | - | - | | 101 | Widget A | 25.00 | | 102 | Widget B | 30.00 | | 103 | Widget C | 15.00 | ### Sales Table: | SaleID | ProductID | Quantity | | - | - | - | | 1 | 101 | 3 | | 2 | 103 | 5 | You want to find the price of each product sold in the sales table. If a product has not been sold, you still want to display its price. ## XLOOKUP Formula To achieve this, you would use the XLOOKUP function as follows: ``` =XLOOKUP(B2, Products!A:A, Products!C:C, ""Not Sold"") ``` In this formula: - `B2` is the cell containing the ProductID from the Sales Table. - `Products!A:A` is the range where the function will look for the ProductID in the Products Table. - `Products!C:C` is the range from which the function will return the corresponding Price. - `""Not Sold""` is the value that will be returned if there is no match found. ## Result of the Formula When you apply the XLOOKUP formula to the Sales Table, the output would look like this: | SaleID | ProductID | Quantity | Price | | - | - | - | - | | 1 | 101 | 3 | 25.00 | | 2 | 103 | 5 | 15.00 | If you were to add a row for a product that hasn't been sold, such as Widget B, the result would still show its price as follows: | SaleID | ProductID | Quantity | Price | | - | - | - | - | | 1 | 101 | 3 | 25.00 | | 2 | 103 | 5 | 15.00 | | 3 | 102 | 0 | 30.00 | In this case, if you input ProductID 102 in the Sales Table, the XLOOKUP would return ""30.00"" for Widget B. ## Why Use XLOOKUP? XLOOKUP is beneficial because it simplifies the process of looking up data in Excel. It eliminates the need for complex nested functions and provides a more intuitive way to retrieve data. Additionally, it allows for error handling by returning a custom message when no match is found, making your spreadsheets more user-friendly. ## Key Takeaways: - **XLOOKUP**: A modern Excel function that searches for a value and returns a corresponding value from another range. - **Versatile**: Can search both vertically and horizontally, making it suitable for various data layouts. - **Error Handling**: Offers the ability to return custom messages for unmatched lookups, enhancing usability. - **Common Use Cases**: Ideal for inventory management, sales tracking, and any scenario where data retrieval from related tables is necessary. XLOOKUP is an essential function for anyone working with data in Excel, providing a powerful way to enhance data analysis and reporting capabilities. Happy spreadsheeting! ## Example use case You have a table where Column A contains employee IDs and Column B contains their corresponding names. You can use XLOOKUP to enter an employee ID and quickly retrieve the employee's name. This allows for efficient searching and referencing of employee information without the limitations of older lookup functions. ## Need more help with Google Sheets formulas? Sign up for Better Analyst and get unlimited AI-powered formula generation, explanations, and advanced data analysis. [Create Free Account](https://betteranalyst.com/signup)[Try Formula Generator](https://betteranalyst.com/excel-ai) ## Google Sheets how-to guides - [How To Make A Histogram In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-make-a-histogram-in-google-sheets) - [How To Make A Line Graph In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-make-a-line-graph-in-google-sheets) - [How To Make A Pie Chart In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-make-a-pie-chart-in-google-sheets) - [How To Make A Table In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-make-a-table-in-google-sheets) - [How To Merge Cells In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-merge-cells-in-google-sheets) - [How To Multiply In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-multiply-in-google-sheets) - [How To Password Protect An Google Sheets File](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-password-protect-an-google-sheets-file) - [How To Remove Blank Rows In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-remove-blank-rows-in-google-sheets) ## Explore all Google Sheets formulas Browse our complete library of Google Sheets formula guides Compare your options ## Decide with evidence, not a sales pitch. 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