| name | excel-lookup-functions |
| description | Covers advanced Excel lookup functions including VLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, and XLOOKUP for multi-dimensional data retrieval. |
Excel Lookup Functions
This skill covers the use of advanced Excel functions for retrieving data from structured tables based on multiple criteria.
Key Functions
1. VLOOKUP with MATCH (Two-Dimensional Lookup)
When the column index needs to be dynamic (e.g., based on a year in a header row):
=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, MATCH(header_value, header_range, 0), FALSE)
2. INDEX and MATCH (Two-Way Lookup)
More flexible than VLOOKUP:
=INDEX(data_range, MATCH(row_criteria, row_header_range, 0), MATCH(col_criteria, col_header_range, 0))
3. XLOOKUP (Modern Alternative)
Allows for searching both rows and columns:
=XLOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_array, return_array)
Usage Pattern
For retrieving data based on a series code and a year:
- Vertical criteria: Series Code
- Horizontal criteria: Year
- Formula:
=INDEX(Data!$E$21:$Z$40, MATCH($D12, Data!$D$21:$D$40, 0), MATCH(H$10, Data!$E$10:$Z$10, 0))
Where Data!$E$21:$Z$40 is the data matrix, Data!$D$21:$D$40 contains series codes, and Data!$E$10:$Z$10 contains years.