VLOOKUP Example: Vlookup with a Drop Down List

VLOOKUP Formula Syntax

What does it do?

Searches for a value in the first column of a table array and returns a value in the same row from another column (to the right) in the table array.

Formula breakdown:

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

What it means:

=VLOOKUP(this value, in this list, and get me value in this column, Exact Match/FALSE/0])

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The VLOOKUP function in Excel can become interactive and more powerful when applying a Data Validation (drop down menu/list) as the Lookup_Value.  So as you change your selection from the drop-down list, the Excel VLOOKUP value also changes.

See how easy it is to apply this with Excel dependent drop down list VLOOKUP example below…

Follow the step-by-step tutorial on Excel dependent drop down list Vlookup and download this Excel workbook to practice along

Vlookup with a Drop Down List Step-By-Step Guide

STEP 1: Go to Data > Data Validation. 

 

STEP 2: Select List in the Allow dropdown. 

For the Source, ensure that it has the 4 Stock List values selected. Click OK.

Your dropdown is ready.

 

STEP 3: We need to enter the Vlookup function in the Excel Vlookup example:

=VLOOKUP(

The Vlookup arguments:

lookup_value

What are we looking for?

Reference the cell that contains the text or value:

=VLOOKUP(G15,

table_array

From which list are we doing a lookup on?

Place in the cell range of the Stock List:

=VLOOKUP(G15, $B$14:$D$17,

col_index_num

From which column do we want to retrieve the value?

We want to retrieve the Price which is the SECOND column from our table array:

=VLOOKUP(G15, $B$14:$D$17, 2,

[range_lookup]

Do we want an exact match?

Place in FALSE to signify that we want an exact match:

=VLOOKUP(G15, $B$14:$D$17, 2, FALSE)

 

The price now dynamically changes based on your selection:

Conclusion

This is how to use Vlookup with a Drop Down List!

Further Learning:

• Named Ranges with Vlookup Formula
• Excel VLOOKUP Multiple Columns
• XLOOKUP vs VLOOKUP: Top 5 Comparison of Excel Lookup Functions