# VLOOKUP

## Content

This function searches for a value in the leftmost column and returns a value in the same row from a column you specify.

## Syntax

`VLOOKUP(value, array, colindex, approx)`

## Arguments

This function has these arguments:

| Argument | Description |
| -------- | ----------- |
| *value* | Value for which to search |
| *array* | Array or cell range that contains the data to search |
| *colindex* | Column number in the array from which the matching value is returned |
| *approx* | [Optional] Logical value indicating whether to find an approximate match; if omitted, uses TRUE and finds an approximate match |

## Remarks

If *approx* is FALSE, it finds an exact match, not an approximate match. If it cannot find one, it returns an #N/A error value.

If *approx* is TRUE or omitted, and the *value* cannot be found, then the largest value that is less than the *value* is used.

This function is similar to [HLOOKUP](/spreadjs/docs/v16/formulareference/FormulaFunctions/lookup-reference-functions/HLOOKUP) except that it searches vertically (by column), instead of by row (horizontally).

## Data Types

Accepts numeric or string data. Returns numeric data.

## Examples

`VLOOKUP(2,A1:D10,3)`