Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated March 21, 2020)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Titi asked if there is a way to use a negative index number with the VLOOKUP function so that info can be accessed to the left of the lookup column. If a negative index number is used with VLOOKUP, then Excel returns an error value (#VALUE) instead of looking up the information you want.
Obviously, since VLOOKUP can only use positive index values, one solution is to reorganize your data so that it all appears to the right of your index column. Such an approach may not be feasible for many people, however. (The layout of the worksheet may be "cast in stone" by your company, for instance.)
There are a couple of ways you can approach this problem—ways that do not involve the use of VLOOKUP at all. The first is to simply use the LOOKUP function. Assuming that the value you want to look up is in cell A1, the range in which you want to find it is in the range G12:G145, and the "to the left stuff" is in F12:F145, you could use this formula:
=LOOKUP(A1,G12:G145,F12:F145)
This approach works just fine, provided that you are working with data in the lookup range (G12:G145) that is sorted. If your data is not sorted, then you should skip this approach and instead use the section approach, involving a combination of INDEX and MATCH. Assuming your data is in the exact same ranges, you could use this:
=INDEX(F12:F145,MATCH(A1,G12:G145,0))
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (7001) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.
Solve Real Business Problems Master business modeling and analysis techniques with Excel and transform data into bottom-line results. This hands-on, scenario-focused guide shows you how to use the latest Excel tools to integrate data from multiple tables. Check out Microsoft Excel Data Analysis and Business Modeling today!
If you have two columns containing dates and weights from those dates, you may want to pick a date associated with a ...
Discover MoreNeed to know the column number for use in a formula? The worksheet function you want is the COLUMN function, described in ...
Discover MoreSometimes you need to look backward, through the information above your formula, to find the data you need. This can be ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2021-12-03 01:37:15
Joe
Brilliant! Loved this...almost easier than a vlookup!
Got a version of Excel that uses the menu interface (Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, or Excel 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments