How to Use Excel Formula XLOOKUP – Step-by-Step Guide by Bikash Sarangi
How to Use XLOOKUP in Excel | The Ultimate Guide by Bikash Sarangi – TechBikash28
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Excel XLOOKUP is one of the most revolutionary Excel functions introduced in recent years. It has changed the way professionals look up data, replacing the limitations of older formulas like VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP.
In this blog, powered by TechBikash28 and hosted by India’s trusted Excel trainer Bikash Sarangi, you’ll learn everything you need to know about using XLOOKUP—from the basics to advanced tricks.
✅ What is XLOOKUP in Excel?
Excel XLOOKUP is a dynamic function in Microsoft Excel that allows users to search for data both vertically and horizontally. Unlike VLOOKUP, it is not limited to left-to-right lookups. It also allows for error handling, approximate matches, and flexible range referencing.
✨ Why XLOOKUP is a Game-Changer:
- No need to remember column numbers
- Works for vertical and horizontal data
- Has built-in error handling
- More efficient and readable than VLOOKUP or HLOOKUP
🧠 Why You Should Learn XLOOKUP
- 🔄 Replaces Older Functions – No more VLOOKUP + HLOOKUP limitations
- 📊 Industry-Relevant Skill – Used in finance, supply chain, operations, and HR
- 🚫 Error-Free Lookups – Prevents #N/A errors using if_not_found
- 🔗 Combines with Other Functions – Use with IF, SUM, AVERAGE for dynamic results
📘 Excel XLOOKUP Syntax:
=XLOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_array, return_array, [if_not_found], [match_mode], [search_mode])
Example:
Retrieve employee name by ID:
=XLOOKUP(1005, A2:A100, B2:B100, “Not Found”)
🧠 Real-Life Examples of Excel Xlookup
Imagine you work in HR and need to find an employee’s salary based on their ID.
With XLOOKUP, you can instantly pull that information from a list of 500+ records.
Let’s say your employee IDs are in Column A and salaries in Column D. You can use:
This formula searches for Employee ID 1042, and returns the salary from Column D, displaying “ID Not Found” if the record doesn’t exist.
🎯 This is just one real-world scenario. You can apply XLOOKUP in finance, inventory management, or academic grading systems—wherever quick, reliable data retrieval is needed.
🎓 What You’ll Learn in the Full Video
🔍 Basic Concepts
- Understanding Excel XLOOKUP syntax
Key differences from VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP
🧩 Practical Examples
- Search horizontally and vertically
- Retrieve sales, employee, or product data
- Handle missing values with user-friendly messages
🔁 Advanced Applications
- Nesting XLOOKUP with IF, AVERAGE, and SUM
- Using XLOOKUP with dynamic named ranges
- Troubleshooting common formula errors
🌐 Who Should Learn This?
- Working professionals in finance, operations, supply chain, or HR
- Students preparing for Excel-based job roles
- Beginners who want to master Excel’s most powerful lookup function
📺 Other Excel Tutorials You’ll Love:
🌐 Who is Bikash Sarangi?
Bikash Sarangi is a tech educator, automation expert, and the founder of TechBikash28, a platform designed to make real-world technology accessible. Recognized by Startup India, his mission is to simplify learning with tools like Google Apps Script, Power BI, Excel, and custom web applications.
From Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to learners across India and beyond, Bikash has created a strong following through practical tutorials, live training sessions, and custom business solutions.
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