Creating a Table in Excel with XLOOKUP

Objective

To create a dynamic table using the XLOOKUP function in Excel, which allows you to lookup values in a specified table range efficiently.

XLOOKUP Function Overview

XLOOKUP is a powerful function used to search a range or an array, and return an item corresponding to the first match it finds. It replaces older functions such as VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP with enhanced flexibility and functionality.

Syntax

XLOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_array, return_array, [if_not_found], [match_mode], [search_mode])

• lookup_value: The value you want to search for.
• lookup_array: The range or array to search.
• return_array: The range or array from which to return the value.
• if_not_found: Optional; the value to return if no match is found.
• match_mode: Optional; to define the type of match.
• search_mode: Optional; to define the search direction.

Example Scenario

Assume you have a dataset containing product information. You want to create a table that dynamically retrieves prices based on product names.

Sample Data Layout

XLOOKUP Implementation

1. Setup the Table: Assume the product names are in column A and prices in column B.
2. Create a lookup cell: In cell D1, type the product name you wish to look up (for example, "Banana").
3. Apply the XLOOKUP formula: In cell E1, enter the formula to lookup the price.

Formula

=XLOOKUP(D1, A2:A4, B2:B4, "Not Found")

Explanation of the Formula

• D1: The cell where the product name to be looked up is entered.
• A2:A4: The range in which the XLOOKUP will search for the product name.
• B2:B4: The range from which the corresponding price will be returned.
• "Not Found": The message returned if the product name does not exist in the lookup range.

Practical Use

When "Banana" is entered in cell D1, the formula =XLOOKUP(D1, A2:A4, B2:B4, "Not Found") retrieves 0.50 in cell E1. If a product not in the list (e.g., "Orange") is entered, cell E1 would display "Not Found".

Conclusion

The use of XLOOKUP in forming dynamic tables significantly enhances the capability to manage and analyze data in Excel. It facilitates efficient lookups and improvements in data accuracy. For further training on advanced Excel functionalities, you may consider the courses available on the Enterprise DNA Platform.