How to Use VLOOKUP in Google Sheets (The Simple Way)

When working with large datasets in Google Sheets, finding specific information quickly can be a challenge. That’s where the VLOOKUP function comes in. Whether you're managing inventory, tracking sales, or analyzing reports, VLOOKUP helps you search for values in a table and return corresponding data efficiently.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to use VLOOKUP step by step and introduce SheetAI, an intelligent Google Sheets add-on that takes data handling to the next level.

What is VLOOKUP?

VLOOKUP (Vertical Lookup) is a function in Google Sheets and Excel that allows you to search for a value in the first column of a table and return data from another column in the same row.

VLOOKUP Syntax:

search_key – The value you're looking for.

range – The table range where you're searching.

index – The column number (starting from 1) from which to retrieve data.

is_sorted – (Optional) TRUE for an approximate match or FALSE for an exact match.

How to Use VLOOKUP in Google Sheets

Let’s go through an example to understand how VLOOKUP works.

Example Scenario:

Imagine you have a product list, and you want to find the price of a specific item.

Product ID	Product Name	Price
101	Laptop	$1,000
102	Mouse	$25
103	Keyboard	$45
104	Monitor	$200

Step 1: Enter the VLOOKUP Formula

If you want to find the price of the Keyboard, use this formula:

Here’s how it works:

103 – The Product ID you're searching for.

A2:C5 – The range that contains the data.

3 – The column number of the price column.

FALSE – An exact match is required.

Step 2: Press Enter

The formula returns $45, which is the price of the Keyboard.

Limitations of VLOOKUP & A Smarter Alternative – SheetAI

While VLOOKUP is powerful, it has limitations: ✅ It only works with data where the lookup column is on the leftmost side. ✅ It returns only the first matching result. ✅ It does not support dynamic data processing.

For more advanced functionality, consider using SheetAI, a smart Google Sheets add-on that enhances data lookup, analysis, and content generation.

How to Use SheetAI for Smarter Data Handling

SheetAI goes beyond simple lookups. It helps with data cleaning, text analysis, sentiment detection, payroll processing, and even AI-powered insights.

Step 1: Install SheetAI

Visit the Google Workspace Marketplace.

Click Install and grant the necessary permissions.

Step 2: Launch SheetAI

Open Google Sheets and go to Extensions > SheetAI App > Launch.

Connect to OpenAI/Gemini for enhanced AI capabilities.

Step 3: Use SheetAI Functions

Once installed, you can use functions like:

=SHEETAI("Generate a summary of column A") – Automatically create insights from data.

=SHEETAI_IMAGE("Extract labels from an image URL") – Analyze and categorize images.

=SHEETAI_AUDIO("Analyze sentiment from an audio file") – Extract insights from voice recordings.

Step 4: Automate Lookups and Data Management

Instead of relying solely on VLOOKUP, SheetAI allows you to:

Create dynamic tables and lists.

Extract structured data automatically.

Generate AI-powered insights in seconds.

Want to automate your google sheet processes? Check out our guide on how you do so!

Final Thoughts

VLOOKUP is a useful tool for searching and retrieving data in Google Sheets. However, if you want to go beyond basic lookups, SheetAI is the best Google Sheets add-on to simplify data analysis, automate tasks, and generate AI-powered insights seamlessly.

Try SheetAI today and take your spreadsheet game to the next level!