How to Use Vlookup Between Two Google Sheets? Mastering The Technique

When it comes to managing and analyzing data in Google Sheets, one of the most powerful and versatile functions is the VLOOKUP. This function allows you to search for a value in a table and return a corresponding value from another column. However, what happens when you need to use VLOOKUP between two separate Google Sheets? This is where things can get a bit tricky, but don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through it.

In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of using VLOOKUP between two Google Sheets. We’ll cover the basics of VLOOKUP, how to set it up, and some common pitfalls to avoid. By the end of this article, you’ll be well-equipped to use VLOOKUP between two Google Sheets like a pro.

What is VLOOKUP?

VLOOKUP is a function in Google Sheets that allows you to search for a value in a table and return a corresponding value from another column. The function takes four arguments: the value to search for, the range of cells that contains the values to search, the column index of the value to return, and the range of cells that contains the values to return.

The syntax for VLOOKUP is as follows:

For example, if you have a table with the following data:

You can use VLOOKUP to find the department of an employee with an ID of 102. The formula would be:

VLOOKUP(102, A2:C4, 3, FALSE)

This formula searches for the value 102 in the first column of the range A2:C4, and returns the value in the third column (Department) for that row. The result would be “HR”. (See Also: How to Change Header on Google Sheets? Easily Customize)

Using VLOOKUP Between Two Google Sheets

Now that we’ve covered the basics of VLOOKUP, let’s talk about how to use it between two Google Sheets. This is where things can get a bit tricky, as we need to set up the function to search for a value in one sheet and return a value from another sheet.

To use VLOOKUP between two Google Sheets, you’ll need to follow these steps:

1. Open both Google Sheets and make sure they are both in the same Google Drive account.
2. Make sure the data you want to search for is in the same column in both sheets.
3. Use the VLOOKUP function to search for the value in the first sheet and return the corresponding value from the second sheet.

Here’s an example of how you might use VLOOKUP between two Google Sheets:

Suppose you have two sheets: “Sheet1” and “Sheet2”. Sheet1 contains a list of employee IDs and their corresponding names, while Sheet2 contains a list of employee IDs and their corresponding departments. You want to use VLOOKUP to find the department of an employee with an ID of 102.

To do this, you would use the following formula:

VLOOKUP(102, Sheet2!A2:C4, 3, FALSE)

This formula searches for the value 102 in the first column of the range A2:C4 in Sheet2, and returns the value in the third column (Department) for that row. The result would be “HR”. (See Also: Why Does Google Sheets Round Up? The Hidden Reason)

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

When using VLOOKUP between two Google Sheets, there are a few common pitfalls to avoid:

• Make sure the data you’re searching for is in the same column in both sheets.
• Make sure the data you’re searching for is in the same format in both sheets (e.g. numbers, text, dates).
• Make sure the VLOOKUP function is set up correctly, including the correct range and column index.
• Make sure the data you’re searching for exists in the table you’re searching.

If you encounter any errors or issues when using VLOOKUP between two Google Sheets, make sure to check these common pitfalls and adjust your formula accordingly.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve covered the basics of VLOOKUP and how to use it between two Google Sheets. We’ve also covered some common pitfalls to avoid and provided an example of how to use VLOOKUP between two Google Sheets.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to use VLOOKUP between two Google Sheets like a pro. Remember to make sure the data you’re searching for is in the same column in both sheets, and to set up the VLOOKUP function correctly.

Recap

Here’s a recap of the key points covered in this article:

• VLOOKUP is a function in Google Sheets that allows you to search for a value in a table and return a corresponding value from another column.
• To use VLOOKUP between two Google Sheets, you need to set up the function to search for a value in one sheet and return a value from another sheet.
• Make sure the data you’re searching for is in the same column in both sheets.
• Make sure the data you’re searching for is in the same format in both sheets.
• Make sure the VLOOKUP function is set up correctly, including the correct range and column index.
• Make sure the data you’re searching for exists in the table you’re searching.

FAQs

What is the syntax for VLOOKUP?

The syntax for VLOOKUP is as follows: VLOOKUP(lookup_value, range, col_index, [range_lookup]).

What is the difference between VLOOKUP and INDEX-MATCH?

VLOOKUP is a function that searches for a value in a table and returns a corresponding value from another column. INDEX-MATCH is a combination of two functions that can be used to achieve the same result as VLOOKUP, but with more flexibility and control.

Can I use VLOOKUP with dates?

Yes, you can use VLOOKUP with dates. However, you’ll need to make sure that the dates are in the same format in both sheets.

What happens if the value I’m searching for is not found?

If the value you’re searching for is not found, VLOOKUP will return a #N/A error. You can use the IFERROR function to handle this situation and return a custom message or value.

Can I use VLOOKUP with multiple criteria?

No, VLOOKUP can only search for a single value. If you need to search for multiple criteria, you’ll need to use a combination of VLOOKUP and other functions, such as INDEX-MATCH or array formulas.