Excel formula builder
VLOOKUP Formula Builder
Create a VLOOKUP formula for traditional left-to-right table lookups in Excel or Google Sheets.
Builder inputs
The lookup column must be the first column in the table range.
=VLOOKUP(A2, Products!A:D, 4, FALSE)Use exact match for IDs, names, SKUs, and most lookup tables. Approximate match requires a sorted first column.How this formula works
- VLOOKUP searches the first column of the table range and returns a value from the selected column index.
- The final argument is FALSE for exact match and TRUE for approximate match.
- Because VLOOKUP only looks to the right, use XLOOKUP or INDEX MATCH when the return column is left of the lookup column.
Sample data
| SKU | Item | Category | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-100 | Keyboard | Hardware | 49 |
| A-101 | Mouse | Hardware | 25 |
| B-200 | Desk Mat | Office | 18 |
| B-201 | Notebook | Office | 7 |
Common mistakes
- Column index 1 returns the lookup column itself.
- Exact match uses FALSE, not TRUE.
- Approximate match can return misleading values when the first column is not sorted.
Related formulas
FAQ
Are these formulas generated with AI?
No. The builder uses deterministic TypeScript functions in the browser and does not call any AI API.
Do I need to upload my spreadsheet?
No. Enter ranges and criteria manually. The site does not upload, store, or process spreadsheet files.
Can I copy the generated formula?
Yes. Each output includes a copy button so you can paste the formula into Excel or Google Sheets.