VLookup function

[duranwd]

First time learning Exel 2007, I am confused in how to use the Vlookup
function can someone explain? I understand formula starts =VLOOKUP ( __
,A2:C10,__ ) in parenteses you enter the array example A2:C10. don't
understand what number goes first and last.

 

[John C]

There are actually 4 parameters in
VLOOKUP(lookupvalue,table/array,column,true/false)

The lookup value is what you are actually trying to find in 1st column of
the corresponding table/array, these would be the values, in your example, in
cells A2 through A10.
The table/array is in your example cells A2 through C10.
The column is the value in the table/array that you want to bring over. In
your example, this could be a 1, 2, or a 3, since the table/array is 3
columns. Yes, the 1st column would bring the value back that you are trying
to find.
The true/false is if you require an exact match (False is exact, True is as
close as excel can get up to and including an exact match).

So for example:

col A col b col c
row 2 A 1 11
row 3 B 2 12
row 4 C 3 13
row 5 D 4 14
row 6 E 5 15
row 7 F 6 16
row 8 G 7 17
row 9 H 8 18
row 10 I 9 19

so a if you had a value such as F in cell A15, in B15 you could have the
formula: =VLOOKUP(A15,A2:C10,2,FALSE)
And this would populate 6 in cell B15, as you are looking up the value F in
columns A2 thru A10, and want the 2nd column in the table/array A2:C10.

 

[David Biddulph]

Have you looked at the Excel help entry for the VLOOKUP function?

 

[Belinda7237]

John - your explanation was great - it provided good detail and explanation
that excel help doesnt explain very well