VLOOKUP is a popular function in Microsoft Excel that allows users to search for a specific value in a table and retrieve corresponding data from that table. However, it is not uncommon for users to encounter the issue where the VLOOKUP function returns the error message “N/A”. In this article, we will explore the potential reasons why a VLOOKUP may return “N/A” and provide solutions to address this issue.

Causes of VLOOKUP Returning “N/A”

There are several potential reasons why a VLOOKUP may return “N/A”, including:

Incorrect or Misspelled Lookup Value
One of the most common reasons for a VLOOKUP to return “N/A” is an incorrect or misspelled lookup value. The VLOOKUP function searches for an exact match, so any discrepancies between the lookup value and the table data will result in an “N/A” error.

Incorrect Column Index Number
The VLOOKUP function requires users to specify the column index number of the table data they want to retrieve. If this index number is incorrect or doesn’t exist, the function will return “N/A”. It is important to ensure that the column index number is correct and matches the table data.

Data Not Sorted
The VLOOKUP function requires that the table data be sorted in ascending order based on the column that the function is searching. If the data is not sorted correctly, the function will return “N/A”.

Data Not in First Column
The VLOOKUP function requires that the lookup value be in the first column of the table data. If the lookup value is not in the first column, the function will return “N/A”.

Solutions to Address VLOOKUP Returning “N/A”

There are several solutions that you can try to address the “N/A” error in VLOOKUP, depending on the underlying cause. Some of the most common solutions include:

Check for Misspelled Lookup Value
If the “N/A” error is the result of an incorrect or misspelled lookup value, it is important to double-check the value and ensure that it matches the table data exactly. Using the “Find” function in Excel can help locate any discrepancies.

Check Column Index Number
If the “N/A” error is the result of an incorrect column index number, it is important to double-check that the number matches the table data and that it is in the correct format.

Sort Data Correctly
If the “N/A” error is the result of incorrect data sorting, it is important to sort the data in ascending order based on the column that the function is searching. Using the “Sort” function in Excel can help sort the data correctly.

Move Lookup Value to First Column
If the “N/A” error is the result of the lookup value not being in the first column of the table data, it is important to move the value to the first column. This can be done by copying and pasting the column or using the “Transpose” function in Excel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the VLOOKUP function is a powerful tool in Microsoft Excel that allows users to search for specific data in a table and retrieve corresponding data. However, users may encounter the issue where the function returns the error message “N/A”. The potential reasons for this error include incorrect or misspelled lookup values, incorrect column index numbers, data not sorted correctly, and lookup values not in the first column. By double-checking these factors and making the necessary adjustments, users can effectively address the “N/A” error and make the most of the VLOOKUP function in Excel.