HLOOKUP




📘 Excel Guide: How to Use HLOOKUP Function

🔍 What is HLOOKUP?

HLOOKUP (Horizontal Lookup) is used to search for a value in the first row of a table and return a value from a specified row in the same column.

✅ Purpose:

To look horizontally across rows and return data based on a match found in the first row.

📌 Syntax:

HLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, row_index_num, [range_lookup])

🧩 Parameters:

ArgumentDescription
lookup_valueThe value to search for in the first row of the table.
table_arrayThe range of cells that contains the data.
row_index_numThe row number in the table_array from which to return the value.
range_lookupOptional: TRUE for approximate match (default), FALSE for exact match.

🧾 Example:

🗂️ Data Table (Range A1:D2):

ABCD
ItemAppleBananaOrangeMango
Price100608090

🎯 Goal:

Find the price of "Orange" using HLOOKUP.

✅ Formula:=HLOOKUP("Orange", A1:D2, 2, FALSE)

📤 Result: 80

🪜 Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Understand Your Table

  • Make sure your data is structured horizontally, with lookup values in the first row.

  • Ensure the row_index_num corresponds to the row below the first row.

Step 2: Enter the HLOOKUP Formula

  • Type =HLOOKUP(

  • Enter the lookup value in quotes or a reference cell (e.g., "Orange").

  • Specify the table_array, like A1:D2.

  • Set the row_index_num to indicate which row's data you want (e.g., 2 for the second row).

  • Choose FALSE for an exact match or TRUE for an approximate match.

Step 3: Press Enter

  • The formula will return the corresponding value from the row you specified.

⚠️ Notes & Tips

  • HLOOKUP only looks left to right (first row downwards).

  • For vertical data lookups, use VLOOKUP.

  • HLOOKUP is case-insensitive.

  • If using approximate match (TRUE), the first row must be sorted in ascending order.