where “data” is the named range B4:F104 Note: This approach is simple, but limited. For a more powerful solution that does not require a helper column, see this advanced formula based on Boolean logic. Also consider a more direct approach based on INDEX and MATCH or XLOOKUP. One limitation of VLOOKUP is that it only handles one condition: the lookup_value, which is matched against the first column in the table. This makes it difficult to use VLOOKUP to find a value based on more than one criteria. However, if you have control over the source data, you an add a helper column that concatenates 2 more more fields together, then give VLOOKUP a lookup value that does the same. The helper column joins field values from columns that are used as criteria, and it must be the first column of the table. Inside the VLOOKUP function, the lookup value itself is also created by joining the same criteria. In the example shown, the formula in I6 is: Once I4 and I5 are joined, we have: VLOOKUP locates “JonVictor” on the 5th row in “data”, and returns the value in the 4th column, “Marketing”.

Setting things up

To set up a multiple criteria VLOOKUP, follow these 3 steps:

Dave Bruns

Hi - I’m Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.