VLOOKUP vs XLOOKUP

Both look up a value in a table. XLOOKUP is newer, more flexible, and can look left. Here's when to use each, with examples.

VLOOKUP

=VLOOKUP(search_key, range, index, FALSE)

Looks up a value and returns a column to its right. Can't look left.

=XLOOKUP(search_key, lookup_range, return_range)

More flexible — can return columns on either side and handles 'not found' cleanly.

Use XLOOKUP if your app supports it (Excel 365, Google Sheets). Use VLOOKUP for older Excel.

Describe what you want in plain English. Get the exact Google Sheets / Excel formula.