Excel Formula for Retrieving Values Based on Criteria

Purpose

The goal is to create an Excel formula that retrieves values from a column where another column contains the same specified value.

Formula Overview

To achieve this, we can utilize the FILTER function (available in Excel 365 and Excel 2021) or the INDEX and MATCH functions for earlier versions of Excel.

Using FILTER Function

The FILTER function allows for dynamic filtering of data based on specified criteria.

Syntax

=FILTER(array, include, [if_empty])

• array: The range of cells to filter.
• include: A logical condition applied to the array.
• if_empty: Optional; value if no results are found.

Example

Suppose you have the following data:

Formula to retrieve scores for a specific name (e.g., "Alice"):

=FILTER(B2:B5, A2:A5 = "Alice", "No match found")

Explanation

• B2:B5: The array of scores we want to retrieve.
• A2:A5 = "Alice": The condition that filters the scores based on the name "Alice."
• "No match found": The message displayed if "Alice" is not found.

Using INDEX and MATCH Functions (for Earlier Versions)

In older versions of Excel, the combination of INDEX and MATCH can be utilized to retrieve a value.

Syntax

=INDEX(return_range, MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_range, 0))

• return_range: The range from which to return a value.
• lookup_value: The value to search for.
• lookup_range: The range to search for lookup_value.
• 0: Specifies an exact match.

Example

Using the same data:

Formula to retrieve the score for "Alice":

=INDEX(B2:B5, MATCH("Alice", A2:A5, 0))

Explanation

• INDEX(B2:B5, ...): Indicates that we want to return a value from the scores column.
• MATCH("Alice", A2:A5, 0): Finds the position of "Alice" within the names range, returning the row number.

Conclusion

Depending on the version of Excel, you can use either the FILTER function for dynamic results or the INDEX and MATCH combination for a more manual approach to retrieve values based on a match.

Recommendations

For extensive learning and more advanced data analysis techniques, consider exploring related courses on the Enterprise DNA Platform.