SLW#038: XLOOKUP Advantages
This week, I've created a tutorial demonstrating the key differences between XLOOKUP and VLOOKUP. The post performed exceptionally well, exceeding my expectations.
You may be curious about how XLOOKUP outperforms VLOOKUP. Here are the three key advantages:
1. XLOOKUP - Intuitive Operations
While VLOOKUP requires you to 'Count column', XLOOKUP's operation is relatively intuitive.
For example:
=VLOOKUP("Name", A1:B4, 3, false)
This means find the 'Name' from 'A1:B4' then return the third column starting from the lookup 'Name'.
It's really logical. But XLOOKUP has an even more intuitive operation. You don't need to count columns. You can use a mouse to select the column instead.
I love VLOOKUP. It's been my best function buddy for decades. But once I upgraded to Microsoft 365, XLOOKUP replaced my VLOOKUP immediately.
2. XLOOKUP - Lookup and Return Cell Data from Any Direction
XLOOKUP allows you to select the lookup range and return cell values using your mouse.
This means you can perform lookups from any directions: 'Left to right,' 'Right to left,' 'Top to bottom,' or even 'Bottom to top.'
Actually, XLOOKUP can replace both VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP. Or you could say XLOOKUP is the upgraded and consolidated version of VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP.
Now, turn the 'X' clockwise.
Can you see the '+'?
It's vertical + horizontal.
3. XLOOKUP - Error Handling Without IFERROR
I usually use IFERROR to handle errors in my VLOOKUP data in reports.
For example:
=IFERROR(VLOOKUP("Name", A1:B4, 3, false), "Not found")
This means if the return value is an error, it will return the text 'Not found'.
In an XLOOKUP formula:
=XLOOKUP("Name", A1:A4, B1:B4, "Not found")
It's a much simpler and shorter formula.
These are the three key benefits of using XLOOKUP. For the video tutorial, click the link below:
Enjoy the tutorial, I'll see you next week.
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