If you use a Vlookup in Excel and it returns the wrong value, there can be two reasons for this. The first reason is that you used the incorrect match type, and the second reason could be that you copied and pasted the wrong range or cell reference.
The first thing to do when this happens is to ask yourself if you always copy and paste values correctly. If not, then there’s no need to continue reading because that’s likely what happened here. After you’ve confirmed that you always use the correct cell references, then you should figure out if your search value is in the first column or not.
The Vlookup should work correctly with a non-zero value in the first column. If it doesn’t, then go back to the first step and ask yourself why you copied and pasted the wrong range reference.
If your search value is in the first column and it doesn’t work correctly, then you need to know how the Vlookup search algorithm works. The basic principle is that you look up a value horizontally, meaning you move through your table moving from left to right. On the other hand, you look up a value vertically, meaning you move down one row at a time. This principle is very important in order to master the Vlookup function.
VLOOKUP returning wrong column
Vlookup Not Returning Value Just Formula
If the Vlookup is returning just a formula, there can be several reasons for this. The most common reason is that you’re working with a table that has one row, or one column. Since Vlookup doesn’t work correctly in tables like these, either fix the table or use an alternative function such as index or match.
There may be a problem with the header row in the table you’re using. You can’t use Vlookup if there’s a non-zero value in the first column or not. If there’s a header row, you need to fix the table or use an alternative function.
If the Vlookup formula is also returning an error, then it can be that you’re looking up values that don’t exist in your table. Two possible solutions exist for this problem. One way is to use a conditional formula. The other way is to replace the range in your Vlookup formula with a range that does exist in your table.
Vlookup Returning Value and Formula
If the Vlookup formula is also returning an error, then there are several reasons for this, including that you’re looking up values that don’t exist in your table or column. One reason could be that you’re looking up values with no matches, such as numbers or text values.
Another reason could be that you copied and pasted values in a different range. If so, then use the Find and Replace tool to fix this problem.
If the problems aren’t fixed, then they can be resolved by fixing one or more of the underlying errors in your formula. In other words, you need to check that all your Vlookup values are correct and/or fix any formula errors. You may be interested in our latest post on How To Find The Slope of The Logarithmic Graph In Excel.
Vlookup Returning Same Value
If the Vlookup returns the same value as the one being looked up, then this means that you’ve made a mistake in your formula. In other words, you’re looking up the wrong values or cell references.
One example could be where you’re looking for a value from cell A2 but using cell B2 as your lookup range. If your column headers are not unique, that may also be the cause.
Investigating the underlying causes of this problem will help to resolve them. You can fix the problem using the Find and Replace tool or by using a conditional formula.
Vlookup Returning Blank Cells
If the Vlookup is returning blank cells and you’re working with a two-way table, then one possible reason for this could be that the lookup table doesn’t include all the matching data. In other words, you might have data in your left table that doesn’t have matches in the right table.
There could also be a problem with your column headers, such as they’re not unique or you don’t have columns for each of your matching criteria.
Fixing the underlying causes and clearing the lookup results are the easiest ways to resolve this issue. This would simplify the LOAD INDEX worksheet function. You need to make sure that you’re clicking on your lookup data instead of your lookup result cell.
When you choose “Load Range”, Excel will load all your matching data into a new range, giving you a blank table. If you’ve previously loaded the data, then choose “More than one row”.
If you don’t have blank lookup cells and your results include blank values, then there’s a problem with your formulas. Possibly, this is due to the fact that you’re using a formula that returns more than one value. Another reason could be that you’ve copied and pasted values in a different range. If so, use the Find and Replace function to fix this problem.
Vlookup Returning Empty Rows
If the Vlookup is returning empty rows, then there are two possible reasons for this: you’re using a formula that returns a single value or you’re looking up values in a non-unique column. In addition to the previous point, there can be other causes of this issue. In other words, you don’t have data with matches in your lookup table. Or there could be something wrong with your column headers or maybe you copied and pasted values from another range.
If you’re using a formula that returns a single value, then this means that you’ve made a mistake in your formula. Checking the underlying causes would be the easiest way to fix this. In other words, you need to look up how many rows are returned by the function. If your result isn’t what you expect, then it could be because of a mistake in the formula. Changing the column reference will also work.
Conclusion
In this article, I’ve explained the Vlookup function in detail. I’ve described the types of problems that can happen. You’ll be able to use this particular function for many tasks, such as finding specific values in multiple columns or looking up data from a table that’s not in your spreadsheet.
In addition, this topic has reviewed all of the possible causes and errors that can occur when you’re using this particular formula. I’ve also explained how to fix any of these problems and use the feature effectively.
