VLOOKUP and XLOOKUP both search a list for a value, like an employee ID, and bring back related information, like that employee's department. VLOOKUP is the older function and only looks to the right. XLOOKUP is newer, more flexible and easier to read. If formulas still feel shaky, our Microsoft Excel & Office Essentials class builds the formula foundation that lookups depend on.
What a lookup actually does
Imagine you have two lists. One has product codes and prices. The other has orders with product codes but no prices. A lookup formula takes each product code in the orders list, finds it in the price list, and returns the price. No copying and pasting row by row.
That is why lookups come up so often in office jobs and skills tests. They save time and reduce mistakes.
How VLOOKUP works
VLOOKUP stands for "vertical lookup." The pattern is:
=VLOOKUP(what to find, where to look, which column to return, FALSE)
Example: =VLOOKUP(A2, Prices!A:C, 3, FALSE) looks for the code in A2 inside columns A through C on the Prices sheet and returns whatever is in the third column.
- The value you search for must be in the first column of the range.
- You count columns to tell it what to return, so inserting a new column can break it.
- Use FALSE at the end for an exact match. Leaving it off is a common beginner mistake.
How XLOOKUP works
XLOOKUP is available in Microsoft 365 and newer versions of Excel. The pattern is:
=XLOOKUP(what to find, where to look, what to return)
Example: =XLOOKUP(A2, Prices!A:A, Prices!C:C) finds the code in column A and returns the matching value from column C.
- It can look left or right, because you point to the return column directly.
- It uses an exact match by default.
- You can add a message for missing values, like
=XLOOKUP(A2, Prices!A:A, Prices!C:C, "Not found").
Which one should you learn?
Learn both, but start by understanding the idea. Many workplaces still have older files full of VLOOKUP, so you need to read it. If your version of Excel has XLOOKUP, it is usually the simpler choice for new work. If an employer gives you a test, check which version they use before you start.
Get the foundation first
Lookups trip people up when the basics are not solid. Most errors come from messy data, like extra spaces, numbers stored as text, or ranges that do not line up. Our class focuses on those fundamentals: clean data, formulas, cell references, sorting, filtering and charts. Once those click, lookups make sense fast.
You will also build a portfolio spreadsheet project and practice Word and Outlook, so you leave ready for real office tasks. See all our programs on the Excel program page.
Class details
- Class: Microsoft Excel & Office Essentials, 12 hours total.
- Evening cohort: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00 to 9:00 PM Pacific, December 1 to 10, 2026.
- Saturday cohort: January 9 and 16, 2027, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Pacific.
- Format: in person at 255 N. D Street, Suite #200-XXVII, San Bernardino, CA 92401, or live online from anywhere in the U.S.
- Price: $297.
- What you get: hands-on practice with Excel formulas, sorting, filtering, charts and a simple budget, plus Word documents, resumes and letters, Outlook email and calendar, and a portfolio spreadsheet project you can show employers.
How to enroll
- Apply online. It takes about 2 minutes.
- Pay with the Excel & Office Essentials pay link or see every option on the tuition page.
- We confirm your seat within 2 business days.
Not sure yet? Join our free Info Session & Orientation, online every Monday from 5:00 to 5:45 PM Pacific. Register on the enroll page to get the link.
FAQ
Why does my lookup return #N/A?
Usually the value is not found exactly. Check for extra spaces, typos, or numbers stored as text in one list and as numbers in the other.
Is XLOOKUP in every version of Excel?
No. It is in Microsoft 365 and newer versions. Older versions only have VLOOKUP and similar functions, so it helps to know both.
Does the class require a specific Excel version?
Call or text us at (909) 454-7076 before class if you are unsure about your computer or software, and we will help you get ready.
Questions? Call or text (909) 454-7076.