HLOOKUP

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the HLOOKUP Function in Excel

What is the HLOOKUP Function?

The HLOOKUP function (Horizontal Lookup) searches for a value in the first row of a table and returns data from a specified row below it. It is useful when:
✅ Searching for values in a row-based format.
✅ Retrieving information based on column headers.
✅ Looking up data in a horizontal structure.

HLOOKUP Function Syntax 

=HLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, row_index_num, [range_lookup])
  • lookup_value → The value to search for (e.g., a date).
  • table_array → The range that contains the data (including headers).
  • row_index_num → The row number (relative to the selected range) to return the value from.
  • [range_lookup] → Set to FALSE for an exact match, TRUE for an approximate match.

Step-by-Step Process to Use HLOOKUP in the Sample Data

Scenario:

We want to find an employee’s status (G, A, etc.) on a specific date (e.g., 02-Jan-17).

Step 1: Select the Cell for the Lookup Result

Click on the cell where you want the result to appear (e.g., H2).

Step 2: Enter the HLOOKUP Formula

To find the attendance status of Employee Code 2434 on 02-Jan-17, use: 

=HLOOKUP("02-Jan-17", B1:G7, 2, FALSE)

Explanation:

  • "02-Jan-17" → The date you want to search for in the first row.
  • B1:G7 → The table range including the headers and data.
  • 2 → The row number where Employee Code 2434 is located.
  • FALSE → Ensures an exact match.

Step 3: Drag the Formula for Other Employees

  • Click on the small square at the bottom-right corner of the cell.
  • Drag it down to apply the formula to the rest of the column.

Example Lookups Based on Sample Data

Emp. CodeFormula for 03-Jan-17Result
2434=HLOOKUP("03-Jan-17", B1:G7, 2, FALSE)A
2434=HLOOKUP("05-Jan-17", B1:G7, 2, FALSE)G

Key Benefits of Using HLOOKUP

✅ Efficient Data Lookup → Quickly retrieves values from a horizontal table.
✅ Real-Time Updates → Automatically updates when data changes.
✅ Exact or Approximate Match → Allows flexibility in searches.

Conclusion

The HLOOKUP function is an excellent tool for retrieving values in a row-wise dataset. It is particularly useful for tables where data is arranged horizontally, like attendance records, sales reports, or inventory data. 🚀

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