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Lookup and match the next largest value in Excel

Author Xiaoyang Last modified

Finding the next largest value when the exact match does not exist in the dataset is a frequent requirement in Excel, especially in data analysis where you need to handle gaps or approximate values. Traditional lookup function like VLOOKUP often fall short because it either return the closest lower value or result in an error if the exact match is not found. To address this, we will explore two effective methods using Excel functions that allow you to accurately retrieve the next largest value even when the direct match is missing.

doc-lookup-next-largest-value-result

Using XLOOKUP function to find and match the next largest value

XLOOKUP is equipped to handle situations where the lookup value isn't found directly in the dataset, particularly if you set its parameters to find the nearest match.

Note: The XLOOKUP function is only available in Excel for 365, Excel 2021 and later versions.
  1. Select a blank cell, enter the following XLOOKUP formula and press "Enter". 
    =XLOOKUP(D5,A2:A13,B2:B13,,1)
    a screenshot of using the XLOOKUP function
Notes:
  • This XLOOKUP function searches for quantity "954" in the range "A2:A13" but doesn't find an exact match. Instead, it returns "Oct", which corresponds to "1000", the next largest value after "954".
  • To know more about the XLOOKUP function, visit this page: 10 examples to help you grasp the XLOOKUP function in Excel

Using INDEX and MATCH functions to find and match the next largest value

If you always need to find and return the next largest value, regardless of whether an exact match exists, the INDEX and MATCH functions offer a reliable solution.

  1. Select a blank cell, enter the following INDEX formula and press "Enter". 
    =INDEX(B2:B13,MATCH(D5,A2:A13)+1)
    a screenshot of using the INDEX and Match
In the above two formulas, "D5" contains the value for which the function is searching. "A2:A13" is the range where Excel will look for the lookup value or the closest value. "B2:B13" is the range from which you will return the value.

Using either XLOOKUP in newer versions of Excel or the classic INDEX and MATCH combination available in all versions, you can effectively find the next largest value in Excel. These methods enhance your ability to manage and analyze data efficiently, especially when dealing with incomplete or non-standard datasets.

Related articles:

How to vlookup in two dimensional table in Excel?

How to vlookup to another workbook?

How to vlookup to return multiple values in one cell in Excel?

How to use vlookup exact and approximate match in Excel?

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