Vlookup

Recap from last lesson

Do you think it is possible to look at data if it is arranged differently? For example if the ‘Item column’ was horizontal

It is possible but the direction the lookup takes is slightly different…

It is possible but the direction the lookup takes is slightly different… For ‘Item3’, what is the ‘Discount’? 3%, blue Row 5

So in this case… The way of travel this time is always: right across the first row to find the match, then then down to locate the information wanted.

VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP This kind of Search can be achieved in a spreadsheet using VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP Why might you want to use a lookup? Why cant you just look yourself?

Summary… Both models produce correct results but in different ways. You need to remember the two models when you design your own tables. In this lesson you will work with VLOOKUP.

In this lesson students are learning about: the Function LOOKUP differences between VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP

At the end of this lesson students will be able to: use the Function VLOOKUP in a spreadsheet

VLOOKUP – a demonstration Look at SB2 L2 VLOOKUP.xls specifically look at the sheet ‘VLOOKUP + 2 User Inputs’. This sheet is linked to sheet ‘Table Arrays’ and colour coded in the same way.

Task (10 mins) Look at ‘VLOOKUP + 2 User Inputs’ on the spreadsheet and follow the instructions in cells B4 and B9 See if you can figure out how the function works….

What do you think? What if I was to put 5.2 into C9? What would be the output and why?

An explanation of how it works… CONCENTRATE!!!!!!! =VLOOKUP is the start of the function $ - absolute cell references, for the array: allows students to copy and paste formula without loosing the array $C$4 is an absolute reference to the cell in which the user input information ‘Table Arrays’ is the name of the sheet is the array is on $C$6:$K$17 is the range of the array 4 is the number of the array column in which the wanted information is TRUE / FALSE is for an exact or approximate match.

Your Teacher will now explain thoroughly!

VLOOKUP with drop-down input lists So what if I wanted to control the input to prevent mistakes? Look at sheet ‘VLOOKUP + 2 Drop-Lists’. Click in cell C4. Read the prompt, then click on the down-arrow. Where the items on the list come from ? ANSWER: C6:C17 on sheet ‘Table Arrays’

What will happen if I type in something that is not on the list? users can enter data that is not on the list but will get a response of “Input not on list” How could this message be improved?

Here is how to put a Validation rule into a Spreadsheet using a ‘List’ Your teacher will now demonstrate…

Task See if you can create your own VLOOKUP using Example 3 on sheet ‘VLOOKUP + 2 User Inputs’.