Match two spreadsheets on a shared column, bring back the columns you need, and see the Excel formula for your data.
looks down, then counts right
=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, FALSE)
my_locationlookup_value
The value you are looking for.
✎ Trim spaces first!
tabletable_array
The whole table. The key must be its first column.
✎ Lock it with $ ($A$2:$C$500)
view_columncol_index_num
Which column to return, counting from 1 at the key column.
✎ Insert a column and this number goes stale!
rulerange_lookup
FALSE for an exact match.
✎ Leave it out and you get an approximate match!
VLOOKUP returning #N/A even though the values match, the wrong value, or breaking when you drag it down? The 9 usual causes and the exact fix for each.
XLOOKUP vs VLOOKUP side by side: exact match by default, looking left, no column numbers, built-in not-found text. With formulas and when VLOOKUP still makes sense.
Join two Excel files on a shared column such as an ID or email: with XLOOKUP, with Power Query, or in your browser with no formulas. Handles missing and duplicate keys.
Compare two Excel sheets cell by cell or row by row. Formulas to find missing rows and changed values, conditional formatting, and a no-formula option.
No. Everything runs in your browser. Your spreadsheets never leave your device.
Usually a hidden difference: an extra space, a number stored as text, or a leading zero. The tool names the reason for each value and can fix it with one click.
Yes. Open "More options" under Match settings and choose "Match on another column" (up to three). If your lookup table repeats a value, the result suggests it too.
It matches values that are similar but not identical, such as "Acme Ltd" and "ACME Limited". Each fuzzy match is scored and listed for you to accept or reject.
XLOOKUP if you have it (Excel 2021, Excel 365, Google Sheets). It can look left, has a built-in "not found" value and defaults to an exact match.
Know someone fighting with a spreadsheet? Send them this page.