5 Ways To Vlookup Across Multiple Sheets

Looking up data across multiple sheets in Excel can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with large datasets. Fortunately, the VLOOKUP function can be a powerful tool in simplifying this process. In this article, we will explore five ways to VLOOKUP across multiple sheets in Excel.

Understanding VLOOKUP

Before diving into the different methods, it's essential to understand how the VLOOKUP function works. VLOOKUP is a lookup function that searches for a value in a table and returns a corresponding value from another column. The syntax for VLOOKUP is as follows:

VLOOKUP(lookup value, table array, col index num, [range lookup])

Lookup value: The value you want to search for.
Table array: The range of cells that contains the data you want to search.
Col index num: The column number that contains the value you want to return.
[Range lookup]: Optional. Specifies whether you want an exact match or an approximate match.

VLOOKUP Across Multiple Sheets Using Indirect Function

One way to VLOOKUP across multiple sheets is by using the INDIRECT function. The INDIRECT function returns a reference to a range or cell based on a text string.

The formula would look like this:

=VLOOKUP(A2,INDIRECT("'"&B2&"'!A:B"),2,FALSE)

A2 is the cell that contains the value you want to search for.
B2 is the cell that contains the sheet name.
A:B is the range of cells that contains the data you want to search.

VLOOKUP Across Multiple Sheets Using INDEX-MATCH Function

Another way to VLOOKUP across multiple sheets is by using the INDEX-MATCH function. The INDEX-MATCH function is a more powerful and flexible alternative to VLOOKUP.

The formula would look like this:

=INDEX(B:B,MATCH(A2,INDIRECT("'"&B2&"'!A:A"),0))

A2 is the cell that contains the value you want to search for.
B2 is the cell that contains the sheet name.
B:B is the range of cells that contains the data you want to return.
A:A is the range of cells that contains the data you want to search.

VLOOKUP Across Multiple Sheets Using Power Query

Power Query is a powerful data manipulation tool in Excel that can help you VLOOKUP across multiple sheets.

To use Power Query, follow these steps:

Go to the Data tab in Excel.
Click on "From Other Sources" and select "From Microsoft Query".
Select the sheet that contains the data you want to search.
Click on "Load" to load the data into Power Query.
Click on "Merge Queries" and select the sheet that contains the data you want to return.
Click on "Load" to load the data into Excel.

VLOOKUP Across Multiple Sheets Using Macros

Macros are a powerful tool in Excel that can help you automate tasks, including VLOOKUP across multiple sheets.

To use Macros, follow these steps:

Go to the Developer tab in Excel.
Click on "Visual Basic" to open the Visual Basic Editor.
Click on "Insert" and select "Module" to create a new module.
Paste the following code:

Sub VLookupAcrossSheets() Dim ws As Worksheet Dim lookupValue As String Dim tableArray As Range Dim colIndexNum As Long Dim rangeLookup As Boolean

lookupValue = "A2"
tableArray = Range("A:B")
colIndexNum = 2
rangeLookup = False

For Each ws In ThisWorkbook.Worksheets
    If ws.Name <> "Sheet1" Then
        VLOOKUP lookupValue, tableArray, colIndexNum, rangeLookup
    End If
Next ws

End Sub

Click on "Run" to run the macro.

VLOOKUP Across Multiple Sheets Using Consolidate Data

Consolidate Data is a feature in Excel that allows you to combine data from multiple sheets into a single sheet.

To use Consolidate Data, follow these steps:

Go to the Data tab in Excel.
Click on "Consolidate" and select "Consolidate".
Select the sheets that contain the data you want to combine.
Click on "OK" to combine the data.

What is the difference between VLOOKUP and INDEX-MATCH?

VLOOKUP and INDEX-MATCH are both lookup functions in Excel, but they have some key differences. VLOOKUP is a more straightforward function that searches for a value in a table and returns a corresponding value from another column. INDEX-MATCH is a more powerful and flexible function that allows you to search for a value in a table and return a corresponding value from another column, or even return a value from a different table or worksheet.

Can I use VLOOKUP across multiple worksheets?

Yes, you can use VLOOKUP across multiple worksheets by using the INDIRECT function or the INDEX-MATCH function. You can also use Power Query or Macros to VLOOKUP across multiple worksheets.

What is the syntax for VLOOKUP?

The syntax for VLOOKUP is as follows: VLOOKUP(lookup value, table array, col index num, [range lookup]).

We hope this article has helped you understand how to VLOOKUP across multiple sheets in Excel. Whether you use the INDIRECT function, INDEX-MATCH function, Power Query, Macros, or Consolidate Data, you can easily lookup data across multiple sheets and streamline your workflow.