VLOOKUP is a powerful function in Google Sheets that allows you to search for specific information in your dataset.
When working with data spread across multiple spreadsheets, knowing how to perform a VLOOKUP can save you time and make your data management more efficient.
Steps on How to Use VLOOKUP
Step 1: Set Up Your Sheets
First, make sure you have access to both Google Sheets. Let’s call them Sheet1 and Sheet2, for example. Sheet1 is where you want to display the information, and Sheet2 is where your data lives.
For VLOOKUP to work across different sheets, both need to be shareable. In Google Sheets, open Sheet2. Click on the “Share” button at the upper right.
Set the permissions to “Anyone with the link can view” and copy the link. This step is crucial as it ensures both sheets can interact.
Step 3: Use the VLOOKUP Formula
Go back to Sheet1, where you want to use the data from Sheet2. Pick a cell where you’d like your retrieved data to appear. Here’s how you insert the VLOOKUP formula:
- Type =VLOOKUP( and input your parameters. The formula format is =VLOOKUP(search_key, range, index, [is_sorted]).
- search_key is the value you want to find in Sheet2.
- Since your data is on a different sheet, you must use the IMPORTRANGE function to measure the range. For example: IMPORTRANGE(“URL_of_Sheet2”, “range_of_cells_in_Sheet2”).
- Index is the column number in the range containing the return value.
- [is_sorted] indicates whether the column to be searched is sorted.
An example formula looks like this:
=VLOOKUP(A2, IMPORTRANGE(“https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/abc123xyz”, “Sheet1!A:B”), 2, FALSE)
Replace “https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/abc123xyz” with the URL of your Sheet2 and adjust the range accordingly.
Step 4: Finalize and Review
Press Enter and let Google Sheets process the formula. If everything is set up correctly, the data from Sheet2 will populate in the cell you selected in Sheet1.
Utilizing FileDrop’s Free Google Sheets Formula Generator
Understanding and manually creating formulas like VLOOKUP in Google Sheets can be challenging. That’s where FileDrop’s Free Google Sheets Formula Generator comes in. This handy tool helps generate formulas for your needs without deepening into syntax.
How to Use the Formula Generator:
Step 1: Go to FileDrop Website
Go to the FileDrop website, click Free Tools, then look for Google Sheets Formula Generator.
Step 2: Provide Information
Provide necessary information like the type of formula you need, the parameters involved, and what each one represents. The generator will then produce a formula based on your input.
Step 3: Copy and Paste
Copy and paste the formula into your Google Sheets to see how it works.
The Formula Generator is ideal for beginners and advanced users who want to ensure accuracy and save time while dealing with complex data scenarios.
Video Tutorial
Conclusion
Using VLOOKUP between separate Google Sheets enhances data management and analysis across different datasets. With the addition of tools like FileDrop’s Formula Generator, it becomes even easier to implement robust data handling techniques without detailed knowledge of formula syntax.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I need the data in multiple columns across a separate sheet?
You must ensure the index parameter in your VLOOKUP formula is set to the appropriate column number from where you want to pull the data. If the data you need spans multiple columns, you may need to use various VLOOKUP formulas, each targeting a specific column.
Is there a limit to how often I can use IMPORTRANGE in a Google Sheet?
Google Sheets does have a limit on the amount of data you can import with IMPORTRANGE, governed by the overall Google Sheets limits (like cell and data size limits). Most users don’t encounter this limit under normal usage scenarios.
