The XLOOKUP and VLOOKUP tools in Excel are being used to swiftly evaluate massive collections of data. VLOOKUP is an Excel function that has been around for a long time. With the arrival of the new excel function XLOOKUP, you may like to switch to this new function. To get more details here, I will tell you the information between XLOOKUP Vs VLOOKUP.
There are so many formulas that are being widely used in Excel. The most common formula is the Lookup function. It is used for specific values in a column and then taken it back from other columns. The VLOOKUP function has evolved into a top position among essential lookup formulas. However, Microsoft Excel brought the latest lookup function called XLOOKUP which works on MS Office 2019 and Office 365 versions.
To get more details about XLOOKUP Vs VLOOKUP, get all the information below. This will help you to choose the best formula function in Excel. So, let’s get started now.
In This Article
XLOOKUP Vs VLOOKUP | Know The Essential Differences
Both XLOOKUP and VLOOKUP are the essential formulas that help you to assess different types of complex data. Although VLOOKUP has been used for so long time. However, the new formula XLOOKUP with amazing features may take the position of VLOOKUP. If you want to know which one is better, know the detailed information between XLOOKUP vs VLOOKUP.
1. XLOOKUP Vs VLOOKUP Usage
Vertical Lookup is abbreviated as VLOOKUP. It is considered the best Excel function that searches vertically for a value in a dataset’s left-hand column. Afterward retrieves a particular value from another column in almost a similar row.
Syntax of VLOOKUP : =VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup])
If you have created detailed data in Microsoft Excel and want to specify the important information, you can use the VLOOKUP formula. This will help you to specify the important information from the data set.
XLOOKUP helps you to execute horizontal and vertical lookup in an Excel sheet to find values. In essence, the method does an aggregate lookup. Once the match is discovered, the object from the following data set (return array) is returned. It can be helpful to prepare financial statement analyses, marketing and sales assessment, and many more.
Syntax of XLOOKUP : =XLOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_array, return_array, [if_not_found], [match_mode], [search_mode])
2. Arguments of XLOOKUP Vs VLOOKUP
If I talk about the arguments of lookup formulas, both XLOOKUP VS VLOOKUP consists of a few arguments. I know it might be difficult to understand. But I will simplify it in the below table. Bear in mind, that both these formulas must have at least three arguments.
Argument of XLOOKUP
| Argument Type | Requirement | Details |
| lookup_value | Essential | The supplied item in the data table is to be looked for. |
| lookup_array | Essential | List of cells or a collection where the lookup value will be explored for. |
| return_array | Optional | The final data will be retrieved from the second range of cells or a collection. |
| [if_not_found] | Optional | A customized notice in the textual format is displayed if the search value is not discovered. |
| [match_mode] | Optional | The lookup result will be found in a range of cells or a collection. |
| [search_mode] | Optional | It establishes the searching hierarchy in ascending or descending from top to bottom or bottom to top |
Argument of VLOOKUP
| Argument Type | Requirement | Details |
| lookup_value | Essential | The given value in the datasheet is to be looked for. |
| table_array | Essential | The lookup result will be found in a wide variety of cells or a collection. |
| col_index_num | Essential | The index of the column in the supplied list contains the return value. |
| [range_lookup] | Optional | Defines whether the matching is perfect or imprecise. |
3. Formula for XLOOKUP Vs VLOOKUP to Find Unique Data with Value
If you have prepared the list of data on the sheet, you can use the formulas of XLOOKUP and VLOOKUP. Here, I have mentioned formulas that will help you identify unique data and its value.
Formula for VLOOKUP : =VLOOKUP(B16,B5:E13,{2,3,4},FALSE)
Formula for XLOOKUP : =XLOOKUP(B16,B5:B13,C5:E13,,0)
The main difference between the VLOOKUP and XLOOKUP is that the VLOOKUP function extracts numerous items from a collection depending on different column numbers, while the XLOOKUP function returns a consistent result by accepting a cell holding the requirements as the return array parameter.
4. XLOOKUP Vs VLOOKUP Search Values
Let me tell you that VLOOKUP searches values only from the left side of the column while XLOOKUP searches values anywhere on the list. Even if you try to search the value in the right VLOOKUP will not give you good results. However, if I talk about the XLOOKUP, you can search the value anywhere on the data list. So, here XLOOKUP surpasses the VLOOKUP.
Formula for VLOOKUP : =VLOOKUP(B16,B5:E13,{1,2,3},FALSE)
Formula for XLOOKUP : =XLOOKUP(B16,E5E13,B5:D13,,0)
5. XLOOKUP Vs VLOOKUP in terms of Finding Last Available Data
XLOOKUP helps you to find the last available data in the table while VLOOKUP will not help you to find the last available data in the list. To seek the value from the last in the data table, it may need to be paired with additional operations. So, here again, XLOOKUP surpasses the VLOOKUP.
Formula for XLOOKUP : =XLOOKUP(B16,C5:C13,B5:B13,,0,-1)
6. XLOOKUP Vs VLOOKUP Partial Match
VLOOKUP and XLOOKUP methods retrieve data using a partial match as the search result. With the help of the XLOOKUP value, you can use the optional argument while in VLOOKUP you can use the simple formula. To know how to do it, use the formulas below.
Formula for VLOOKUP : =VLOOKUP(““&B16&”“,B5:E13,{2,3,4},FALSE)
Formula for XLOOKUP : =XLOOKUP(““&B16&”“,B5:B13,C5:E13,,2)
7. Who offers the powerful function XLOOKUP or VLOOKUP
Changing or deleting columns in a VLOOKUP formula necessitates rewriting the whole formula. XLOOKUP is a much more powerful function that lets you add and remove columns without fear of making mistakes. Simply avoid inserting a column or row out of the lookup collection, as this will cause the procedure to return a mistake.
Comparison Table between XLOOKUP Vs VLOOKUP
| Features | Winner |
| Data Ranges | XLOOKUP offers more flexbility |
| Exact Match | XLOOKUP helps you to find the exact match in the data list |
| Adding or deleting Columns | XLOOKUP offers flexibility to add or delete columns |
| Identification of data | XLOOKUP helps you to find the horizontal and vertical data |
| Accurate Results | XLOOKUP gives your more accurate results |
| Cell References | XLOOKUP needs only a few cell references |
Wrapping Up
So this was all about XLOOKUP Vs VLOOKUP. I hope the above methods will help you to choose the best formula. After a thorough reading, I can suggest that XLOOKUP performs better than VLOOKUP. So, you must go for the XLOOKUP. Now, it is time for a wrap-up. Have a great day!
