9 Ways to Fix VLOOKUP Not Working

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Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool used by millions of people around the world for various purposes, from managing finances to analyzing data. One of the most commonly used functions in Excel is VLOOKUP. This allows users to search for a value in a specified range and return a corresponding value from another column. However, like any other software, Excel can sometimes encounter issues, and one common problem users face is when VLOOKUP is not working as expected. In this article, we will explore the reasons why VLOOKUP may not be working and provide solutions to fix it. Below are the 9 ways to Fix your VLOOKUP not working.

9 Ways to Fix VLOOKUP Not Working

How to Fix VLOOKUP Not Working

Below are the 9 ways to Fix your VLOOKUP not working.

  1. Check for Correct Syntax: VLOOKUP has a specific syntax that needs to be followed for it to work correctly. The syntax is as follows:
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=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup])

Make sure you have entered the correct arguments in the correct order. The lookup_value is the value you are searching for, the table_array is the range of cells where you want to search for the value, col_index_num is the column number from which you want to return a value, and [range_lookup] is an optional argument that specifies whether you want an exact match or an approximate match. Double-check your formula to ensure that it matches this syntax.

  1. Check for Data Type Mismatch: Another common reason why VLOOKUP may not work is when there is a data type mismatch between the lookup_value and the data in the table_array. VLOOKUP performs an exact match by default. So if the data types do not match, it may not return the expected result. For example, if you are searching for a number but the data in the table_array is stored as text, VLOOKUP may not work. Make sure that the data types in the lookup_value and the table_array match.
  2. Check for Hidden Characters: Sometimes, hidden characters such as spaces or non-printable characters can cause VLOOKUP to fail. These hidden characters can be present in either the lookup_value or the table_array, and they may not be visible to the naked eye. To fix this issue, you can use the TRIM function to remove any leading or trailing spaces from the lookup_value and the table_array. For example:
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=VLOOKUP(TRIM(lookup_value), TRIM(table_array), col_index_num, [range_lookup])
  1. Check for #N/A Error: If the VLOOKUP function returns a #N/A error, it means that it could not find a match for the lookup_value in the table_array. This could happen if the value you are searching for is not present in the specified range. To fix this, you can either double-check the lookup_value to ensure it exists in the table_array, or you can use the IFERROR function to handle the error gracefully. For example:
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=IFERROR(VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup]), "Not Found")
  1. Check for Absolute Cell References: VLOOKUP uses relative cell references by default. This means that if you copy the formula to another cell, the references may change. If you want to fix the range of cells that VLOOKUP searches, you can use absolute cell references by adding a $ before the column letter and/or row number. For example:
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=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, $A$1:$B$10, col_index_num, [range_lookup])

This will ensure that the table_array remains fixed even if you copy the formula to other cells.

  1. Check for Sorting and Formatting: VLOOKUP requires the table_array to be sorted in ascending order based on the column that you are using as the reference. If the table_array is not sorted, VLOOKUP may not return the correct result. Additionally, VLOOKUP is case-insensitive, so if the lookup_value and the data in the table_array have different capitalization, VLOOKUP may not work as expected. To fix this, make sure that the table_array is sorted and the data is formatted consistently.
  2. Check for Multiple Matches: If there are multiple occurrences of the lookup_value in the table_array, VLOOKUP will only return the first match it encounters. If you need to retrieve all the matches, you may need to use a different formula. Formulas like INDEX and MATCH, or a combination of other functions. For example:
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=INDEX(column_to_return, SMALL(IF(lookup_value=lookup_range, ROW(lookup_range)-MIN(ROW(lookup_range))+1, ""), ROW()))

Note: This is an array formula, so it needs to be entered using Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

  1. Check for External Links: If your table_array contains external links to other workbooks or worksheets, VLOOKUP may not work if those links are broken or the external files are unavailable. Make sure that all the external links are valid and the referenced files are accessible.
  2. Check for Circular References: Circular references occur when a formula refers to its own cell, or when a group of formulas refer to each other in a circular manner. Circular references can cause VLOOKUP to not work correctly. Make sure that there are no circular references in your worksheet and resolve them if they exist.

Conclusion

In conclusion, above are the 9 ways to Fix your VLOOKUP not working. If you encounter issues with VLOOKUP not working in Excel, there are several things to check and fix. Double-check the syntax, ensure that the data types match, remove hidden characters, handle errors gracefully, use absolute cell references, sort and format data properly, consider multiple matches, verify external links, and check for circular references. By following these steps, you can master the art of fixing “VLOOKUP that is not working”. Also, ensure that your Excel spreadsheets function accurately and efficiently.

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