HLOOKUP and VLOOKUP are essential Excel functions for retrieving data from tables based on specific criteria. HLOOKUP searches horizontally across rows to find a value, returning a result from the same row but in a specified column. In contrast, VLOOKUP searches vertically down columns to locate a value, returning a result from the same column but in the next row. These functions are used depending on whether data is organized horizontally or vertically in a spreadsheet, facilitating efficient data lookup and analysis tasks.
What is HLookup?
Horizontal Lookup function is called as HLookup function. This function used to find values horizontally across a set of rows in a table. It looks for a value horizontally across the lookup table. It returns an approximate or exact value based on the row number given in Excel. VLookup function provides the same lookup value as HLookup function provides.
Syntax of HLookup :
HLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, row_index_num, [range_lookup]).What is VLookup?
Vertical Lookup function is called as VLookup function. This function is used to find values vertically across a set of rows in a table. It looks for a value vertically across the lookup table. It returns an exact or approximate value based on the column number given in Excel.
Syntax of VLookup :
VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup]).Difference between HLookup and VLookup
Aspect | HLOOKUP | VLOOKUP |
| Orientation of Data | It assumes that data is arranged as a table with different elements of the information in different rows. | Whereas it assumes that data is arranged as a table with different elements of the information in different columns. |
| Search | It looks for a value horizontally across the lookup table. | It looks for a value vertically across the lookup table. |
| Use | The use of HLookup function is less as compared to VLookup function. | The use of VLookup function is more than compared to HLookup function. |
| Data Arrangement Preference | It is used when data is listed in rows. | Whereas it is used when data are listed in columns. |
| Search Criteria Position | In HLookup function, the value the user is searching in the table or range must be in the top-most column. | In VLookup function, the value the user is searching must be located in the left-most column of the table or range. |
| Returned Value Location | HLookup function returns the searched value in the same column. | VLookup function returns the searched value in the same row but in the next column. |
| Naming Conventions | The H in the HLookup function stands for horizontal search | The V in VLookup function stands for Vertical search. |
| Usage Context | It is used to find out data from a range in the bottom-most range. | It helps to find out the data in the leftmost column. |