Google Sheets function
VLOOKUP function in Google Sheets
VLOOKUP in Google Sheets searches down the first column of a range for a key, then returns a value from a numbered column in the matching row. Use FALSE for a predictable exact match. Approximate matching requires the search column to be sorted in ascending order.
Source: Google Docs Editors HelpLast verified Nov 5, 2026
Syntax
=VLOOKUP(search_key, range, index, [is_sorted])Arguments
| Argument | Required | What it means |
|---|---|---|
search_key | Yes | The value to find in the first column of the range. |
range | Yes | The table to search, with the search key in its first column. |
index | Yes | The positive column number in the range that contains the return value. |
is_sorted | No | FALSE for an exact match or TRUE for an approximate match. TRUE is the default. |
Examples
Find a product price
| A | B | C | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Product | Price | Search | |
| 2 | Notebook | 6 | Pen | |
| 3 | Pen | 2 |
=VLOOKUP(D2,A2:B3,2,FALSE)Result: 2
VLOOKUP finds Pen in the first table column and returns column 2 from that row.
Common mistakes
Starting the range to the right of the search-key column.
The search key must be in the first column of the selected range.
Omitting is_sorted when you need an exact match.
Specify FALSE for an exact match and consistent behavior.