Excel - Copy a VLOOKUP formula Tutorial

In this video, you will learn how to copy a VLOOKUP formula in Microsoft 365. The video demonstrates the process of using absolute cell references by adding dollar signs to your arguments.
By doing this, you can copy the formula down a column and ensure that the references remain fixed.
The video also provides tips on using the F4 key to add dollar signs correctly and highlights common mistakes to avoid when using VLOOKUP, such as arranging data in columns and using the correct range lookup argument.
This tutorial will help you efficiently copy VLOOKUP formulas and avoid errors in your spreadsheets.

3:27
4562 views

Available in Microsoft365

Objectifs :

Understand how to use absolute cell references in VLOOKUP formulas to efficiently retrieve data from multiple worksheets in Excel.

Chapitres :

Introduction to VLOOKUP and Absolute Cell References
In this section, we will explore the importance of using absolute cell references when copying VLOOKUP formulas in Excel. This technique allows for efficient data retrieval, especially when dealing with multiple page names and numbers.
Using Absolute Cell References
When copying a VLOOKUP formula, it is crucial to use absolute cell references. This is achieved by adding dollar signs ($) to the cell references in your formula. For example, if you want to match page numbers with their corresponding page names, you would use the values directly from column A instead of empty placeholder cells.
Constructing the VLOOKUP Formula
To construct the VLOOKUP formula, follow these steps: 1. Add a heading to your column. 2. Start the formula by entering your lookup value (the page number). 3. Include the name of the other worksheet followed by an exclamation point. 4. Use two dollar signs for the column reference (e.g., $B) and specify the column index number (2) and the range lookup argument (FALSE for an exact match). 5. Press Enter to complete the formula.
Filling Down the Formula
After entering the formula, use the fill handle to drag it down the column. This action will copy the formula to adjacent cells, allowing you to scan all the data easily. Remember, only the column letters should have dollar signs in front of them to maintain absolute references.
Using F4 for Quick Reference Adjustment
If you encounter difficulties adding dollar signs to your formula, you can simplify the process by placing your cursor in the argument and pressing F4. This shortcut will cycle through the different reference types, ensuring the dollar sign is placed correctly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Be aware of the following common mistakes when using VLOOKUP: - Ensure your lookup table is positioned to the right of your lookup values or on a different worksheet. - Arrange your data in columns. - Use FALSE for an exact match and TRUE or leave it blank for a partial match. - Always check that dollar signs are placed correctly before copying the formula.
Conclusion
In summary, using absolute cell references in VLOOKUP formulas is essential for accurate data retrieval in Excel. By following the outlined steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can efficiently manage and analyze your data across multiple worksheets.

FAQ :

What is the purpose of using absolute cell references in Excel?

Absolute cell references are used to ensure that specific cell references do not change when a formula is copied to another cell. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of calculations that rely on fixed data.

How do I create a VLOOKUP formula?

To create a VLOOKUP formula, you need to specify the lookup value, the range of the lookup table, the column index number from which to return a value, and the range lookup argument (TRUE for approximate match or FALSE for exact match).

What does the F4 key do when editing a formula in Excel?

Pressing the F4 key while editing a formula cycles through different types of cell references (absolute, relative, and mixed) for the selected cell reference, making it easier to set the desired reference type.

What should I do if my lookup table is not returning the correct values?

Ensure that your lookup table is arranged correctly, with the lookup values to the left of the data you want to return. Also, check that you are using the correct range lookup argument (TRUE or FALSE) based on whether you need an exact or approximate match.

Can I use VLOOKUP across different worksheets?

Yes, you can use VLOOKUP to reference data from another worksheet by including the worksheet name followed by an exclamation point before the range in the formula.

Quelques cas d'usages :

Generating Reports

Use VLOOKUP to pull data from a master list of employees to generate individual reports based on employee IDs. This can streamline the reporting process and ensure accuracy in data retrieval.

Inventory Management

In an inventory management system, VLOOKUP can be used to match product IDs with their descriptions and prices from a separate inventory list, making it easier to manage stock levels and pricing.

Sales Analysis

Sales teams can utilize VLOOKUP to analyze sales data by matching customer IDs with their corresponding sales records, allowing for better insights into customer purchasing behavior.

Financial Forecasting

Financial analysts can apply VLOOKUP to retrieve historical financial data from a separate worksheet to create forecasts, improving the accuracy of financial projections.

Data Validation

Use VLOOKUP to validate data entries in a form by checking if the entered values exist in a predefined list, ensuring data integrity and reducing errors.

Glossaire :

VLOOKUP

A function in Excel that searches for a value in the first column of a range and returns a value in the same row from a specified column.

Absolute Cell Reference

A cell reference that remains constant, regardless of where the formula is copied. It is denoted by adding dollar signs before the column letter and row number (e.g., $A$1).

Fill Handle

A small square at the bottom-right corner of a selected cell in Excel that allows users to drag and fill adjacent cells with a series of values or formulas.

Range Lookup

An argument in the VLOOKUP function that specifies whether to find an exact match (FALSE) or an approximate match (TRUE).

Lookup Table

A table that contains the data to be searched by the VLOOKUP function, typically organized in columns.

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other formula, you have to use absolute cell references.

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For example, it would be nice to list all the page names

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next to their page numbers and hit data, instead of just

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looking them up one at a time.

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To do that, we will need to copy the formula down this column.

00:00:29

Whenever you copy a formula you have to use absolute cell

00:00:33

references, and you do that by adding dollar signs to your arguments.

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So I'll demonstrate by adding a heading,

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and then I'll start the formula.

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but this time, instead of entering a blank cell as my first argument,

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my look-up value, I'll enter $A4.

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The dollar sign is what makes it an absolute cell reference.

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In this case it forces VLOOKUP to use just the values in column A.

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I'm using those because I know I want to match each page

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number with its page name, so I'll use those values

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directly instead of the empty placeholder cells you've

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seen in the previous videos.

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Next I enter the name of the other worksheet,

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an exclamation point,

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then in my cell range, I also use two more dollar signs

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in front of the A and the B, like so.

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I'll enter the same column reference argument: 2,

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and False is my range look up argument,

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again because I want exact matches.

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Press Enter, and the formula returns Home page.

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Now grab the fill handle; drag it down the column;

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and there you go: all the data, easy to scan.

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One thing to remember though: I only used dollar signs in

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front of the column letters.

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If I separate column letters and row numbers with dollar signs, like this,

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VLOOKUP only returns one value: the first one.

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That happens because dollar signs prevent Excel

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from changing column and row values

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in a formula when you copy that formula.

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Now here's something that can help:

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if you're having trouble adding dollar signs to a formula, put your cursor

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in an argument and press F4; as you press the button

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it inserts dollar signs in each allowable place in the argument.

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In other words, it won't let you put one in the wrong place.

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Just press F4 until the dollar sign is in the right place

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and go on to your next argument.

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So that's a final gotcha, and while we're talking about them,

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let's recap the other possible mistakes:

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your look up table has to be to the right of your look up

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values, or on another worksheet.

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You have to arrange your data in columns,

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and you enter False when you want an exact match, and

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True, or nothing, if you want a partial match.

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Finally, if you're going to copy the formula, make sure

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you put the dollar signs in the right places.

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