excel

How To Do XLOOKUP In Excel With Two Spreadsheets

Jump to

    Mastering the XLOOKUP function in Excel can streamline the process of searching for data across two spreadsheets, ensuring efficient data management and analysis. This function simplifies the retrieval of information by allowing users to specify the lookup value, the range to search, and the return range from a separate spreadsheet.

    For those seeking to enhance productivity, we'll delve into the step-by-step method of utilizing XLOOKUP between different Excel files. We'll also discuss how Sourcetable offers a more user-friendly alternative for accomplishing these tasks, potentially saving time and reducing complexity.

    How to Use XLOOKUP in Excel with Two Spreadsheets

    Understanding XLOOKUP Functionality

    XLOOKUP, introduced in Excel in February 2020, is a powerful function designed to match and combine data from two different spreadsheets. This function is an efficient replacement for older lookup functions, offering the ability to copy multiple columns, utilize wildcard characters for inexact matches, and return arrays, all without the need for the reference cell to be the first cell on the left.

    Basic XLOOKUP Syntax

    The basic format of the XLOOKUP function is =XLOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_array, return_array), where only these three parameters are required to perform an exact match lookup. XLOOKUP can also accept three additional optional parameters to refine the search: [if not found], [match_mode], and [search_mode].

    Performing XLOOKUP Across Sheets

    To use XLOOKUP between two sheets, start by defining the value you wish to look up (lookup_value). Then, specify the range of cells containing possible matches (lookup_array) on the second sheet. Lastly, indicate the range of cells (return_array) where the corresponding data is to be retrieved from. If an exact match is not found, XLOOKUP can return a custom "not found" text, if specified.

    Advanced XLOOKUP Parameters

    For more complex searches, XLOOKUP's optional parameters [match_mode] and [search_mode] allow you to specify how matches are found and the direction of the search, respectively. Use [match_mode] for partial matches with wildcards and [search_mode] to change the default search order.

    Benefits Over VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP

    XLOOKUP surpasses VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP by not only looking from left-to-right but in any column direction, providing greater flexibility. It is more efficient than VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, and the combination of INDEX and MATCH functions, making it the preferable choice for Excel users handling data across multiple sheets.

    Common Use Cases

    • excel

      Consolidating sales data from two different regional reports into a single spreadsheet

    • excel

      Matching employee names with their respective IDs across HR databases

    • excel

      Updating product inventory levels by referencing supplier stock lists

    • excel

      Comparing customer contact information between two separate customer relationship management systems

    • excel

      Merging monthly expense data from separate departmental budget sheets

    Excel vs. Sourcetable: A Comparative Analysis

    Discover the efficiency of Sourcetable's unified data integration, a stark contrast to Excel's manual data consolidation. Streamline your analytics with Sourcetable's seamless connectivity.

    Experience the power of AI assistance in Sourcetable, offering formula creation and templating through intuitive chat, a feature Excel lacks, enhancing productivity and reducing complexity.

    Unveil the potential of Sourcetable's innovative query capabilities, transcending Excel's traditional data manipulation, to elevate your data interaction to new heights.

    Recommended Reading

    • How to... how to install xlookup in excel
    • How to... how to add cells from different sheets in excel
    • How to... how to cross reference two excel sheets
    • How to... how to link cells from different workbooks in excel
    • How to... how to link cells in excel on different sheets
    • How to... how to add numbers from different sheets in excel
    • How to... how to match data from two excel sheets


    Sourcetable Logo

    Try Sourcetable To Get Insights From Your Data

    Ask questions about your data in a powerful spreadsheet that your whole team knows how to use.

    Drop CSV