VLOOKUP vs XLOOKUP in Excel: Simple Guide with Khmer Video Tutorials

Both VLOOKUP and XLOOKUP help you search for data in one column and bring back matching information from another column.

• VLOOKUP: The classic formula (used in older and newer Excel versions).
• XLOOKUP: The modern, upgraded formula in Excel 365 and Excel 2021+.

1. How VLOOKUP Works

VLOOKUP searches for a value in the first (leftmost) column of a table and returns a value from a column to the right.

Formula Syntax

=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup])

Simple Example

=VLOOKUP(A2, D:F, 3, FALSE)

This searches for the value in cell A2 inside column D, then returns the matching result from the 3rd column (column F). FALSE forces an exact match.

2. How XLOOKUP Works

XLOOKUP separates the lookup column and return column into two independent ranges.

Formula Syntax

=XLOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_array, return_array, [if_not_found])

Simple Example

=XLOOKUP(A2, D:D, F:F, "Not Found")

This searches for A2 in column D and returns the result from column F. If not found, it displays "Not Found".

🎬 Khmer Video Tutorials

Example #1 VLOOKUP Function (Khmer)

Example #2 VLOOKUP Function (Khmer)

💡 Pro Tips: Why XLOOKUP Beats VLOOKUP

1. XLOOKUP Can Look Left ⬅️

VLOOKUP can only search left-to-right. If your search column is to the right of your result, VLOOKUP fails. XLOOKUP can search in any direction (left, right, up, or down).

2. Inserting Columns Doesn't Break XLOOKUP 🛡️

If you add or delete a column in your table, VLOOKUP often breaks because the hardcoded column index number (e.g. 3) is wrong. XLOOKUP uses dynamic column references (e.g. F:F), so it never breaks when columns move!

3. Automatic Exact Match 🎯

In VLOOKUP, if you forget to type , FALSE at the end, Excel defaults to approximate match, which causes hidden errors. XLOOKUP defaults to Exact Match automatically.

4. Built-in Error Handling (No More IFERROR) 🚫

Instead of writing =IFERROR(VLOOKUP(...), "Not Found"), XLOOKUP has built-in error handling via its 4th parameter:

=XLOOKUP(A2, D:D, F:F, "Not Found")

5. When Should You Still Use VLOOKUP? ⌛

Only use VLOOKUP if you are sharing spreadsheets with colleagues who use older versions of Excel (Excel 2016, 2013, or earlier) that do not support XLOOKUP.