Making VLookup Function Use Cell Value: Table Array Reference in Another Sheet

Making VLOOKUP Function Use Cell Value: Table Array Reference Another Sheet

The VLOOKUP function in Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool that allows users to search for and retrieve data from a table. By default, VLOOKUP looks for data in the same sheet. However, often we need to reference data in another sheet or even another workbook. This article will guide you on how to make the VLOOKUP function use a cell value as the table array reference in another sheet.

Understanding the VLOOKUP Function

The VLOOKUP function has the following syntax:

Where:

• lookup_value: The value to search for.
• table_array: The table where you want to find the value.
• col_index_num: The column number in the table array from which the value will be returned.
• range_lookup: [Optional] If set to TRUE or omitted, an approximate match is returned. If set to FALSE, an exact match is returned.

Making VLOOKUP Use a Cell Value as Table Array Reference in Another Sheet

To make the VLOOKUP function use a cell value as the table array reference in another sheet, you need to concatenate (join) the sheet name, exclamation point, and cell range into a single string.

Here's an example:

In the example above, A2 is the lookup value, 'AnotherSheet'!A2:B100 is the table array reference in 'AnotherSheet', and 2 indicates that you want to return a value in the second column of the table array.

Tips to Keep in Mind

• Make sure the sheet name, exclamation point, and cell range are enclosed in single quotes.
• Use absolute references for the table array by adding a dollar sign before both the column and row references (e.g., 'AnotherSheet'!$A$2:$B$100).
• Be careful with case sensitivity in sheet names.
• If the table array reference is in a different workbook, use the full path to the workbook and include the workbook name in square brackets, followed by the sheet name and exclamation point (e.g., "[C:\Users\UserName\Documents\[SalesData.xlsx]Sheet1'!A1:B100]").

• To make the VLOOKUP function use a cell value as the table array reference in another sheet, concatenate the sheet name, exclamation point, and cell range.
• Use absolute references for the table array and be careful with case sensitivity.
• To reference a table array in a different workbook, include the workbook path and name in square brackets.

References

• VLOOKUP function - Microsoft Support
• How to Use VLOOKUP with Another Workbook in Excel - AbleBits
• VLOOKUP function - Excel Easy
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