|
|
LOOKUP
Returns a value either from a one-row or one-column range or from an array. The LOOKUP function has two syntax forms: vector and array. The vector form of LOOKUP looks in a one-row or one-column range (known as a vector) for a value and returns a value from the same position in a second one-row or one-column range. The array form of LOOKUP looks in the first row or column of an array for the specified value and returns a value from the same position in the last row or column of the array.
Syntax 1 (vector)LOOKUP(lookup_value,lookup_vector,result_vector)
Lookup_value is a value that LOOKUP searches for in the first vector. Lookup_value can be a number, text, a logical value, or a name or reference that refers to a value.
Lookup_vector is a range that contains only one row or one column. The values in lookup_vector can be text, numbers, or logical values.
Important The values in lookup_vector must be placed in ascending order: ..., -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, ..., A-Z, FALSE, TRUE; otherwise, LOOKUP may not give the correct value. Uppercase and lowercase text are equivalent.
Result_vector is a range that contains only one row or column. It must be the same size as lookup_vector.
Remarks
- If LOOKUP can't find the lookup_value, it matches the largest value in lookup_vector that is less than or equal to lookup_value.
- If lookup_value is smaller than the smallest value in lookup_vector, LOOKUP gives the #N/A error value.
Example
The example may be easier to understand if you copy it to a blank spreadsheet.
- Create a blank spreadsheet.
- Select the example in the Help topic.
Selecting an example from Help
- Press CTRL+C.
- In the spreadsheet, select cell A1, and press CTRL+V.
- To switch between viewing the formula that returns the result and the result in the cell, select the cell and press F2 and then ENTER, or click Commands and Options on the spreadsheet toolbar, click the Formula tab, and look in the Formula in active cell (active cell) box.
| Frequency | Color |
|---|---|
| 4.14 | red |
| 4.19 | orange |
| 5.17 | yellow |
| 5.77 | green |
| 6.39 | blue |
| Formula | Description (Result) |
| =LOOKUP(4.91,A2:A6,B2:B6) | Looks up 4.19 in column A, and returns the value from column B that's in the same row (orange) |
| =LOOKUP(5.00,A2:A6,B2:B6) | Looks up 5.00 in column A, and returns the value from column B that's in the same row (orange) |
| =LOOKUP(7.66,A2:A6,B2:B6) | Looks up 7.66 in column A, matches the next smallest value (6.39), and returns the value from column B that's in the same row (blue) |
| =LOOKUP(0,A2:A6,B2:B6) | Looks up 0 in column A, and returns an error because 0 is less than the smallest value in the lookup_vector A2:A7 (#N/A) |
LOOKUP(lookup_value,array)
Lookup_value is a value that LOOKUP searches for in an array. Lookup_value can be a number, text, a logical value, or a name or reference that refers to a value.
-
If LOOKUP can't find the lookup_value, it uses the largest value in the array that is less than or equal to lookup_value.
-
If lookup_value is smaller than the smallest value in the first row or column (depending on the array dimensions), LOOKUP returns the #N/A error value.
Array is a range of cells that contains text, numbers, or logical values that you want to compare with lookup_value.
The array form of LOOKUP is very similar to the HLOOKUP and VLOOKUP functions. The difference is that HLOOKUP searches for lookup_value in the first row, VLOOKUP searches in the first column, and LOOKUP searches according to the dimensions of array.
-
If array covers an area that is wider than it is tall (more columns than rows), LOOKUP searches for lookup_value in the first row.
-
If array is square or is taller than it is wide (more rows than columns), LOOKUP searches in the first column.
-
With HLOOKUP and VLOOKUP, you can index down or across, but LOOKUP always selects the last value in the row or column.
Important The values in array must be placed in ascending order: ..., -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, ..., A-Z, FALSE, TRUE; otherwise, LOOKUP may not give the correct value. Uppercase and lowercase text are equivalent.
Example
The example may be easier to understand if you copy it to a blank spreadsheet.
- Create a blank spreadsheet.
- Select the example in the Help topic.
Selecting an example from Help
- Press CTRL+C.
- In the spreadsheet, select cell A1, and press CTRL+V.
- To switch between viewing the formula that returns the result and the result in the cell, select the cell and press F2 and then ENTER, or click Commands and Options on the spreadsheet toolbar, click the Formula tab, and look in the Formula in active cell (active cell) box.
| Formula | Description (Result) |
|---|---|
| =LOOKUP("C",{"a","b","c","d";1,2,3,4}) | Looks up "C" in first row of the array and returns the value in the last row that's in the same column (3) |
| =LOOKUP("bump",{"a",1;"b",2;"c",3}) | Looks up "bump" in first row of the array and returns the value in the last column that's in the same row (2) |