4.1 VLOOKUP with Exact Match

By Ravindra Bagale Last updated: 25 September 2026

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

lookup_value – what to find (e.g. the Store ID in the order row)
table_array – the lookup table; the lookup value must be in its first column
col_index_num – which column of the table to return (1 = first column)
range_lookup – FALSE (or 0) = exact match; TRUE (or omitted) = approximate

Steps in Excel – bring City into Orders

In Orders, Store ID is in column G. Click the first empty column, e.g. P2.
Type =VLOOKUP(G2, then go to Stores, select A2:F8, press F4 to lock it: Stores!$A$2:$F$8.
Type ,3,FALSE) (City is the 3rd column) › Enter.
Double-click the fill handle to copy down.

Formula	Result
`=VLOOKUP("BLK-NSK-01",Stores!$A$2:$F$8,3,FALSE)`	Nashik
`=VLOOKUP("AMN-NGP-01",Stores!$A$2:$F$8,5,FALSE)`	Amir
`=VLOOKUP("BLK-PUN-09",Stores!$A$2:$F$8,3,FALSE)`	#N/A (not in master)

Ravindra Bagale's Tip

Sagalyat common VLOOKUP chuk mhanje shevtcha FALSE na lihine. Mag Excel approximate match karto aani chukicha pan "khara vatnara" answer deto – error pan yet nahi! Exact match sathi nehmi FALSE kiwa 0 liha, aani table_array la $ lava.

Practice task

Bring Area, City Manager and Manager Email into Orders with three VLOOKUPs. Add a Store ID that does not exist and observe the #N/A.