How to vlookup matching values from right to left in Excel?
The VLOOKUP function in Excel is widely used for searching and retrieving data. However, one of its limitations is that it can only look up values from left to right. This means the lookup value must be in the first column of the table, and the return value must be to the right of the lookup column. But what if you need to look up values from right to left? This guide will explore several methods to achieve this.
Vlookup matching matching values from right to left
Vlookup values from right to left with VLOOKUP and IF functions
While VLOOKUP alone cannot look up values from right to left, you can manipulate your data structure using the IF function to make it work.
Please enter the below formula into your needed cell, and then, drag the fill handle to the cells you want to apply this formula to get all the corresponding. See screenshot:
=VLOOKUP(E2, IF({1,0}, $C$2:$C$9, $A$2:$A$9), 2, 0)
- E2: This is the value you are looking for. It's the key that Excel will search for in the specified range.
- IF({1,0}, $C$2:$C$9, $A$2:$A$9): This part of the formula creates a virtual table by rearranging the columns. Normally, VLOOKUP can only search the first column of a table and return a value from a column to the right. By using IF({1,0}, ...), you are telling Excel to create a new table where the columns are swapped:
♦ The first column of the new table is $C$2:$C$9.
♦ The second column of the new table is $A$2:$A$9. - 2: This tells VLOOKUP to return the value from the second column of the virtual table created by the IF function. In this case, it will return a value from $A$2:$A$9.
- 0: This specifies that you want an exact match. If Excel doesn't find an exact match for E2 in $C$2:$C$9, it will return an error.
Vlookup values from right to left with Kutools for Excel
If you prefer a more user-friendly approach, Kutools for Excel offers advanced features that simplify complex lookups, including the ability to search from right to left effortlessly.
After installing Kutools for Excel, please do as this:
1. Click "Kutools" > "Super Lookup" > "LOOKUP from Right to Left", see screenshot:
2. In the "LOOKUP from Right to Left" dialog box, please do the following operations:
- Select the lookup value cells and output cells from the "Output Range" and "Lookup values" sections;
- Then, specify the corresponding items from the "Data range" section.
- Finally, click OK button.
3. Now, the matching records have been returned based on the lookup values from the right list, see screenshot:
If you want to replace the #N/A error value with another text value, you just need to click "Options" button and check "Replace #N/A error value with a specified value" option, then type the text you need.
Vlookup values from right to left with INDEX and MATCH functions
The combination of INDEX and MATCH is a versatile and powerful alternative to VLOOKUP. It allows you to look up values in any direction (left, right, up, or down).
Enter or copy the below formula into a blank cell to output the result, then drag the fill handle down to your cells that you want to contain this formula.
=INDEX($A$2:$A$9,MATCH(E2,$C$2:$C$9,0))
- E2: This is the value you are looking for.
- MATCH(E2, $C$2:$C$9, 0): The MATCH function searches for the value in E2 within the range $C$2:$C$9. The 0 indicates that you want an exact match. If it finds the value, it returns the relative position of that value within the range.
- INDEX($A$2:$A$9, ...): The INDEX function then uses the position returned by MATCH to find the corresponding value in the range $A$2:$A$9.
Vlookup values from right to left with XLOOKUP function
If you’re using Excel 365 or Excel 2021, the XLOOKUP function is a modern and simplified alternative to VLOOKUP. It can look up values in any direction without the need for complex formulas.
Enter or copy the below formula into a blank cell to output the result, then drag the fill handle down to your cells that you want to contain this formula.
=XLOOKUP(E2,$C$2:$C$9,$A$2:$A$9)
- E2: This is the value you are looking for.
- $C$2:$C$9: This is the range where Excel will search for the value in E2. It's the lookup array.
- $A$2:$A$9: This is the range from which Excel will return the corresponding value. It's the return array.
Although VLOOKUP is a great tool for basic lookups, it is limited by its ability to only search to the right of the lookup column. However, there are several other methods you can use to return matching values from right to left in Excel. By leveraging these methods, you can easily and efficiently look up and return matching values, no matter where your data is located in your worksheet. If you're interested in exploring more Excel tips and tricks, our website offers thousands of tutorials.
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