Replicating XLOOKUP Functionality in Google Sheets: Advanced Lookup and Reference Methods

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The XLOOKUP function in Microsoft Excel is a powerful lookup and reference function that can perform more advanced searches than the traditional VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP functions. While Google Sheets does not have a built-in XLOOKUP function, there are several ways to replicate its functionality. Here are a few methods:

  1. VLOOKUP with IFNA: One way to replicate XLOOKUP in Google Sheets is to use the VLOOKUP function in combination with the IFNA function. The IFNA function returns a specified value if the result of the VLOOKUP function is #N/A (not found).

Here’s an example formula that uses this method:
=IFNA(VLOOKUP(search_key,table_array,match_type,0),default_value)

  1. INDEX/MATCH: Another way to replicate XLOOKUP is to use the INDEX and MATCH functions together. This method is more flexible than VLOOKUP because it can perform both vertical and horizontal lookups.

Here’s an example formula that uses this method:
=INDEX(return_array,MATCH(search_key,lookup_array,match_type))

  1. QUERY function: The QUERY function in Google Sheets can also be used to replicate the functionality of XLOOKUP. This method can be especially useful for more complex lookups.

Here’s an example formula that uses this method:
=QUERY(table_array,"select return_array where lookup_array = "&search_key)

These are just a few ways to replicate the functionality of XLOOKUP in Google Sheets. The best method for you will depend on the specific needs of your project.