VLOOKUP vs XLOOKUP in Excel

VLOOKUP vs XLOOKUP in Excel: A Complete Comparison

When working with Excel, lookup functions are essential for data analysis and referencing. For years, VLOOKUP was the go-to function. But with the introduction of XLOOKUP in Excel 365 and Excel 2019, a more powerful and flexible alternative is now available. Let's explore the key differences between VLOOKUP and XLOOKUP to help you understand which one suits your task best.

What is VLOOKUP?

VLOOKUP (Vertical Lookup) searches for a value in the first column of a range and returns a value in the same row from a specified column.

Syntax:

VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup])

• lookup_value: The value to search for.
• table_array: The range containing the data.
• col_index_num: The column number to return the value from.
• range_lookup: Optional; TRUE for approximate match, FALSE for exact.

Example:

=VLOOKUP(I2, A2:G13, 3, FALSE)

This looks for June in column A and returns the corresponding value from column C.

What is XLOOKUP?

XLOOKUP is the modern replacement for VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, and even INDEX-MATCH. It can look up values in any direction—left, right, up, or down.

Syntax:

XLOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_array, return_array, [if_not_found], [match_mode], [search_mode])

• lookup_value: The value to search for.
• lookup_array: The range to search in.
• return_array: The range to return results from.
• Optional parameters handle errors, match types, and search direction.

Example: 1

=XLOOKUP(I5, D2:D12, B2:B12,)

Example: 2

=XLOOKUP(I5, D2:D12, B2:B12,"Name not available")

This searches for Mukesh in column D and returns the value from column B, with a custom message if not found.

VLOOKUP vs XLOOKUP: Feature-by-Feature Comparison

                                                    VLOOKUP                               XLOOKUP

Direction	Only looks right	Looks left & right
Exact Match Default	FALSE must be specified	Exact match is default
Column Index	Needs column number	Directly references return column
Dynamic Ranges	Breaks if columns change	Stable with dynamic arrays
Error Handling	Needs IFERROR wrapper	Has built-in [if_not_found]
Search Direction	Top-to-bottom only	Can search top-to-bottom or bottom-to-top
Multiple Return Values	Not supported	Can return multiple columns
Available in	Excel 2007–2019, 365	Excel 365 and Excel 2019+ only
Performance	Slower in large data sets	More efficient

Advantages of XLOOKUP Over VLOOKUP

1. Bidirectional Lookup – Return values from columns to the left or right.
2. Built-in Error Handling – Custom error messages using [if_not_found].
3. No Column Index Needed – Uses ranges directly; no more counting columns.
4. Easier Maintenance – No broken formulas if column positions change.
5. Multiple Value Return – Pull multiple columns at once.
6. Improved Speed – Faster in large datasets.

While VLOOKUP is still useful in many situations, XLOOKUP is clearly the more advanced and future-ready function. It simplifies formulas, reduces errors, and provides more control over your data. If you're using the latest version of Excel, it’s time to switch to XLOOKUP for more efficient work.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog on VLOOKUP vs XLOOKUP. I hope it helped you understand the key differences and empowered you to choose the right function for your Excel tasks.

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