Vlookup Return Multiple Columns

The VLOOKUP function in Excel is a powerful tool used to search for a value in a table and return a corresponding value from another column. However, one of its limitations is that it can only return a value from a single column. To overcome this limitation, you can use the INDEX-MATCH function combination or the VLOOKUP function with multiple columns by using an array formula. In this article, we will explore the different methods to return multiple columns using VLOOKUP.

Using the INDEX-MATCH Function Combination

The INDEX-MATCH function combination is a more flexible and powerful alternative to VLOOKUP. It allows you to return values from multiple columns by using multiple INDEX functions with the same MATCH function. The syntax for the INDEX-MATCH function combination is:

INDEX(range, MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_array, [match_type])

For example, suppose you have a table with the following structure:

To return the name and department of an employee with ID 102, you can use the following formula:

=INDEX(B:B, MATCH(102, A:A, 0)) & " - " & INDEX(C:C, MATCH(102, A:A, 0))

This formula uses the MATCH function to find the relative position of the value 102 in column A, and then uses the INDEX function to return the values in columns B and C at that position.

Using VLOOKUP with Multiple Columns

Another way to return multiple columns using VLOOKUP is to use an array formula. The syntax for the VLOOKUP function with multiple columns is:

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

For example, suppose you want to return the name and department of an employee with ID 102, you can use the following formula:

=VLOOKUP(102, A:D, {2,3}, FALSE)

This formula uses the VLOOKUP function to search for the value 102 in column A, and then returns the values in columns B and C. The {2,3} syntax tells VLOOKUP to return an array of values from columns B and C.

Using Power Query to Return Multiple Columns

Power Query is a powerful data manipulation tool in Excel that allows you to transform and analyze data from various sources. You can use Power Query to return multiple columns from a table by using the Merge Queries feature.

To use Power Query to return multiple columns, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Data tab in the ribbon and click on From Table/Range.
2. Select the table range and click on OK.
3. In the Power Query Editor, click on Home and then click on Advanced Editor.
4. In the Advanced Editor, enter the following formula: = Table.LookupValue(#"Table1", "Employee ID", 102, {"Name", "Department"})
5. Click on OK to apply the changes.

This formula uses the Table.LookupValue function to search for the value 102 in the Employee ID column and return the values in the Name and Department columns.

Comparison of Methods

Each of the methods described above has its own advantages and disadvantages. The INDEX-MATCH function combination is more flexible and powerful, but it can be more complex to use. The VLOOKUP function with multiple columns is easier to use, but it can be slower and more prone to errors. Power Query is a powerful tool that allows for complex data manipulation, but it requires more expertise and can be slower than other methods.