How to do vlookup with multiple criteria in excel

Answer

VLOOKUP in Excel does not natively support multiple criteria. A workaround involves creating a helper column that combines all criteria into a single key. This key is then used for the VLOOKUP.

Step 1: Combine the criteria into a helper column

1. Insert a new column in your lookup table.

2. Concatenate the multiple criteria for each row. For example, if your table has First Name in column A and Last Name in column B, use the formula:

   =A2&B2

3. Drag the formula down the entire column to create a unique key for each row.

Step 2: Combine the criteria in the lookup value

1. In the cell where you want the result, combine the same criteria from the lookup values. For example, if the first name is in F2 and last name is in G2:

   =F2&G2

2. This creates a matching key similar to the helper column.

Step 3: Use VLOOKUP with the helper column

1. Use the VLOOKUP function referencing the helper column. Example:

   =VLOOKUP(F2&G2, A2:D100, 4, FALSE)

• F2&G2 is the combined lookup value.

• A2:D100 is the table range, including the helper column.

• 4 is the column number from which to return the value.

• FALSE ensures an exact match.

Step 4: Considerations for Mac vs Windows

1. Formulas work the same on Mac and Windows.

2. Dynamic arrays like TEXTJOIN can simplify combining criteria:

   =TEXTJOIN("-", TRUE, A2, B2)

This formula creates a unique key with a separator, reducing potential mismatches.

Alternative using INDEX and MATCH

For advanced users, using INDEX and MATCH avoids a helper column. Example for two criteria:

=INDEX(D2:D100, MATCH(1, (A2:A100=F2)*(B2:B100=G2), 0))

• Press Ctrl+Shift+Enter in older Excel versions to make it an array formula.

• This returns the value in column D where both criteria match.

Tips and best practices

1. Use a separator like "-" in concatenation to prevent accidental matches.

2. Ensure data types match (numbers stored as text can break the match).

3. Sort is not necessary because exact match (FALSE) is used.

4. For large datasets, INDEX-MATCH is faster than VLOOKUP with a helper column.

This method allows precise lookups when multiple conditions must be satisfied simultaneously, maintaining accuracy in complex tables.

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