5 REASONS XLOOKUP MAKES VLOOKUP AND HLOOKUP OBSOLETE

For years, VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP were the go-to functions for finding data in Excel. However, with the introduction of XLOOKUP, the game has fundamentally changed. XLOOKUP is a modern, more versatile, and robust lookup function that addresses almost every limitation of its predecessors, making them virtually obsolete for most users.

5 Reasons Xlookup Makes Vlookup And Hlookup Obsolete

Here are five compelling reasons why XLOOKUP makes VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP obsolete.

• No More Column Index Counting (Left/Right Lookup)

  VLOOKUP requires you to specify a column index number, forcing you to count columns and restricting lookup to the right. HLOOKUP is similarly limited. XLOOKUP allows you to specify a lookup array and a separate return array. This means it can look up values to the left or right of your lookup column without any counting, and the formula remains robust even if columns are inserted or deleted.

  Example: =XLOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_array, return_array)

  
  

• Built-in Error Handling (No More IFERROR)

  With VLOOKUP, if a match isn't found, you get a #N/A error, which usually requires wrapping the entire formula in an IFERROR function. XLOOKUP has an optional [if_not_found] argument built right into its syntax, allowing you to specify what to return if no match is found.

  Example: =XLOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_array, return_array, "Not Found")

  
  

• Flexible Match Modes (Exact, Next Smaller, Next Larger, Wildcard)

  While VLOOKUP's TRUE and FALSE for approximate/exact matches can be confusing, XLOOKUP offers clearer [match_mode] options:

  • 0 for an exact match (default).

  • -1 for exact match or next smaller item.

  • 1 for exact match or next larger item.

  • 2 for wildcard character match.

  • This versatility covers far more lookup scenarios directly.

  
  

• Search Direction Flexibility (Top to Bottom, Bottom to Top)

  VLOOKUP only searches from top to bottom. XLOOKUP includes an optional [search_mode] argument that allows you to specify the search direction:

  • 1 for first to last (default).

  • -1 for last to first (useful for finding the most recent entry).

  • 2 for binary search ascending.

  • -2 for binary search descending.

  • This is invaluable for finding the latest entry in a transaction log, for example.

  
  

• Works with Horizontal and Vertical Data

  Unlike VLOOKUP (vertical) and HLOOKUP (horizontal), XLOOKUP works seamlessly with both vertical and horizontal data layouts. You don't need to learn a separate function for each orientation; XLOOKUP handles both with the same intuitive syntax, making your skills more transferable.

In essence, XLOOKUP is the unified, smarter, and more forgiving lookup function Excel users have needed. It eliminates the common frustrations of VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP, making your formulas simpler, more robust, and easier to maintain. If you're still using VLOOKUP or HLOOKUP, it's time to make the switch!