VLOOKUP and XLOOKUP helper
Get the right lookup formula for your sheet — VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP or INDEX/MATCH — with the arguments filled in for your columns.
Lookups are the function people get wrong most: VLOOKUP cannot look left, the column index breaks when you insert a column, and approximate-match defaults silently return wrong values.
The Excel Formula tool builds the right lookup for your situation, recommending XLOOKUP or INDEX/MATCH when VLOOKUP would be fragile, and explaining the exact-match and error-handling arguments.
Describe your columns and what you are matching, and get a robust formula instead of one that quietly breaks next week.
The tool for this
🧮Excel Formula
Describe what you need and get the exact Excel / Google Sheets formula — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions
VLOOKUP or XLOOKUP — which should I use? +
The tool recommends based on your sheet: XLOOKUP or INDEX/MATCH when VLOOKUP would be fragile, with arguments filled in.
Why does my VLOOKUP return wrong values? +
Often the approximate-match default. The tool sets exact match and explains the fix.
Can it look to the left? +
VLOOKUP cannot, so the tool uses XLOOKUP or INDEX/MATCH when your lookup needs it.
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