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How to Use VLOOKUP with ARRAYFORMULA in Google Sheets?

VLOOKUP with ARRAYFORMULA is a Google Sheets function that applies vlookup to each value in column a, returning corresponding values from columns b and c.. Formula Genius generates and validates this formula automatically from a plain-English prompt.

Automatically apply VLOOKUP to an entire column so that results update as new rows are added, saving you time and effort.

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The Formula

Prompt

"Apply VLOOKUP to an entire column automatically using ARRAYFORMULA so results update when new rows are added"

Google Sheets 
=ARRAYFORMULA(VLOOKUP(A2:A, B2:C, 2, FALSE))

This formula applies VLOOKUP to each value in column A, returning corresponding values from columns B and C.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

  1. ARRAYFORMULA allows the formula to process an entire range instead of a single cell.
  2. VLOOKUP searches for each value in column A within the first column of the specified range (B2:C).
  3. The second argument (2) specifies that the function should return values from the second column of the range.
  4. FALSE indicates that the function should look for an exact match.

Edge Cases & Warnings

  • If the lookup value in column A is not found in the range, the formula will return #N/A.
  • If there are blank cells in column A, the formula will return blank for those rows.
  • If the range B2:C does not contain enough rows to match the length of column A, it may return errors or incorrect results.

Examples

Prompt

"A2:A contains {1, 2, 3}; B2:C contains {{1, 'Apple'}, {2, 'Banana'}, {3, 'Cherry'}}"

Google Sheets 
{'Apple', 'Banana', 'Cherry'}
Prompt

"A2:A contains {4, 5}; B2:C contains {{1, 'Apple'}, {2, 'Banana'}}"

Google Sheets 
{#N/A, #N/A}

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use VLOOKUP with ARRAYFORMULA for multiple columns?

No, VLOOKUP only returns a single column value; you would need to nest multiple VLOOKUPs for additional columns.

What happens if my data range changes?

The formula will automatically adjust as long as the range specified in VLOOKUP is updated.

Is ARRAYFORMULA necessary for VLOOKUP?

Yes, ARRAYFORMULA is required to apply VLOOKUP to an entire column dynamically.

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