VLOOKUP with Multiple Criteria: A Complete Guide
Learn how to perform multi-criteria lookups in Excel using VLOOKUP and alternative methods for efficient data processing.
What is VLOOKUP with Multiple Criteria?
Basic Definition
VLOOKUP with multiple criteria is a method used in Excel to retrieve data based on more than one lookup condition, overcoming the limitations of the standard VLOOKUP function.
- Utilizes auxiliary columns for combined criteria
- Can be enhanced with INDEX/MATCH combinations
- Offers more flexibility with XLOOKUP in Excel 365
- Facilitates data accuracy with SUMIFS for multiple matches
Key Advantages
No need for complex formulas, making it user-friendly
Utilizes advanced functions to break traditional limitations
Supports efficient data retrieval with innovative features
Function Syntax
XLOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_array, return_array, [if_not_found], [match_mode], [search_mode])
lookup_value
The value to search for
lookup_array
The range to search within
return_array
The range containing the return values
if_not_found (Optional)
Value to return if no match is found
match_mode (Optional)
0: Exact match; -1: Exact or next smaller; 1: Exact or next larger
search_mode (Optional)
1: First-to-last; -1: Last-to-first; 2: Binary search
Usage Examples
Basic Example

Looking up contact phone number for a specified customer ID in customer data table
=XLOOKUP(A2, B2:B10, C2:C10)
Learn more about VLOOKUP with multiple criteria
Advanced Example

Cross-sheet lookup with multiple matching results
=XLOOKUP(A2, Sheet2!B:B, Sheet2!C:E, "Not Found", 0)
Explore more about advanced VLOOKUP techniques
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Try NowTroubleshooting for VLOOKUP with Multiple Criteria
#N/A Error
Common error when no match is found, can be handled by setting the if_not_found parameter in your VLOOKUP with multiple criteria.
Data Type Mismatch
Ensure lookup value and range data types match for accurate VLOOKUP results.
Performance Optimization
Use binary search mode to improve efficiency with large datasets while performing VLOOKUP with multiple criteria.
Function Comparison
Feature | XLOOKUP | VLOOKUP | INDEX+MATCH |
---|---|---|---|
Lookup Direction | Bi-directional | Right only | Bi-directional |
Multiple Column Return | Supported | Not supported | Supported |
Error Handling | Built-in | Additional handling needed | Additional handling needed |
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