Table of Contents
Left Lookup
The VLOOKUP function only looks to the right. To look up a value in any column and return the corresponding value to the left simply use INDEX and MATCH.
1. The MATCH function returns the position of a value in a given range.
Explanation: 104 found at position 4 in the range $G$4:$G$7.
2. Use this result and the INDEX function to return the 4th value in the range $E$4:$E$7.
3. Drag the formula in cell B2 down to cell B11.
Note: when we drag this formula down the absolute references ($E$4:$E$7 and $G$4:$G$7) stay the same while the relative reference (A2) changes to A3 A4 A5 etc.
4. If you have Excel 365 or Excel 2021 simply use the XLOOKUP function to perform a left lookup.
Note: the XLOOKUP function entered into cell B2 fills multiple cells. Wow! This behavior in Excel 365/2021 is called spilling. Visit our page about the XLOOKUP function to learn more about this great new Excel function.