Vlookup Based On 2 Criteria Brad Ryan, February 22, 2025 The ability to perform a lookup using multiple conditions significantly enhances spreadsheet functionality. Implementing a vertical lookup conditioned on two values extends the utility of standard spreadsheet formulas, allowing for precise data retrieval based on combined attributes. For instance, retrieving a product price based on both its category and specific model number demonstrates the effectiveness of this technique. Traditional single-criterion lookups often fall short when data sets require refined searches. The advantage of using a lookup with multiple criteria lies in its ability to eliminate ambiguity and pinpoint exact matches. Historically, accomplishing this involved complex nested functions or auxiliary columns. However, modern spreadsheet software provides more streamlined methods, increasing efficiency and reducing the risk of errors in data analysis and reporting. This method increases data integrity, reduces manual searching, and saves time. Therefore, mastering techniques for achieving this functionality is paramount for advanced data manipulation. The following sections will explore several approaches, detailing their strengths, limitations, and practical applications. We will cover array formulas, index-match combinations, and other methods for effectively performing these lookups. Furthermore, well also address error handling and optimization strategies for improved spreadsheet performance while performing these lookups across your data sets. VLOOKUP, a staple in the spreadsheet user’s toolkit, is fantastic for finding information based on a single matching value. But what happens when you need to search based on two criteria? Suddenly, your standard VLOOKUP hits a wall. Don’t worry, this isn’t a spreadsheet dead end! There are clever workarounds to achieve this powerful functionality. This article dives deep into the world of performing lookups based on two conditions, providing you with the knowledge and techniques to conquer even the most complex data challenges. We’ll explore different methods, from utilizing helper columns to mastering array formulas, ensuring you’re equipped to choose the best approach for your specific needs. Think of it as leveling up your spreadsheet skills moving beyond the basics and into the realm of advanced data manipulation. These techniques not only enhance your data analysis capabilities but also significantly improve your workflow efficiency, freeing up valuable time for more strategic tasks. By understanding the nuances of these methods, you’ll transform from a basic spreadsheet user into a data-wrangling wizard! Why is performing a lookup based on two criteria so valuable? Imagine you’re managing a large inventory database. You need to quickly find the price of a specific product and its size. A standard VLOOKUP can only search based on one of those attributes. Trying to manually sift through hundreds or thousands of rows to find the exact match is not only tedious but also prone to errors. This is where the power of multi-criteria lookups comes in. By combining two (or even more!) criteria into a single search, you can instantly retrieve the precise information you need. This has applications in numerous fields, including finance (finding specific transactions based on date and account), human resources (locating employee records based on department and employee ID), and sales (analyzing sales data based on region and product category). The ability to perform these types of lookups significantly reduces the risk of human error, ensures data accuracy, and speeds up the decision-making process. In todays data-driven world, having this skill is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity for anyone working with spreadsheets. Before we dive into the specific techniques, it’s important to understand the underlying concepts. Essentially, we’re trying to trick the VLOOKUP function into recognizing two criteria as a single, unique identifier. This can be achieved in several ways. One common method involves creating a “helper column” that concatenates the two criteria into a single value. VLOOKUP can then search for this combined value. Another approach utilizes array formulas, which allow you to perform calculations on multiple values simultaneously. These formulas can be more complex to understand and implement, but they offer a more dynamic and flexible solution. Finally, well explore the powerful INDEX and MATCH functions, which can be combined to create a highly versatile and efficient lookup solution. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of complexity, performance, and flexibility. Understanding these trade-offs will empower you to choose the most appropriate technique for your specific scenario. Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty and explore these methods in detail! See also If And Vlookup Statements Table of Contents Toggle Method 11. Example of Helper Column ApproachMethod 22. Array Formula ExampleMethod 33. Illustrative ExampleImages References : Method 1 The helper column method is often the simplest and most easily understood approach for performing a lookup based on two criteria. The core idea is to create a new column in your data table that combines the two criteria into a single, unique value. This can be done using the concatenation operator (&) or the CONCATENATE function. For example, if you’re searching for a product based on its category and model number, you could create a helper column that combines these two values, separated by a delimiter (e.g., “Category1-ModelA123″). Once you’ve created the helper column, you can use a standard VLOOKUP function to search for the combined value. The first step is to insert a new column in your dataset. Then, in each cell of the new column, use a formula like `=A2&”-“&B2`, where A2 contains the category and B2 contains the model number. This formula combines the category and model number with a hyphen as a separator. Next, in your lookup table, create a similar helper column, combining the criteria you’ll be searching for. Finally, use the VLOOKUP function to search for the combined value in the helper column of your main data table. The beauty of this method is its simplicity it transforms a complex problem into a straightforward VLOOKUP operation. While the helper column method is easy to understand, it’s important to consider its drawbacks. The primary disadvantage is that it requires modifying your original data table by adding an extra column. This might not be desirable in all situations, especially if you’re working with a data source that you cannot directly modify. Furthermore, adding extra columns can potentially increase the file size of your spreadsheet and slightly impact performance, especially with very large datasets. However, the performance impact is generally negligible for most common use cases. Another consideration is the choice of delimiter used to separate the two criteria in the helper column. It’s crucial to choose a delimiter that is unlikely to appear in either of the criteria values themselves. Otherwise, you might encounter false matches. Common delimiters include hyphens, underscores, and vertical bars. Despite these limitations, the helper column method remains a popular choice due to its ease of implementation and clear logic. It’s a great starting point for anyone new to performing lookups based on multiple criteria and it serves as a solid foundation to understand more complex techniques. 1. Example of Helper Column Approach Let’s illustrate the helper column approach with a practical example. Suppose you have a table of sales data with columns for “Region” (e.g., North, South, East, West) and “Product” (e.g., Widget A, Widget B, Widget C), and you want to find the sales amount for a specific Region and Product combination. First, you would insert a new column, say Column C, and in cell C2, you would enter the formula `=A2&”-“&B2`. This formula concatenates the Region from cell A2 and the Product from cell B2, separated by a hyphen. You would then copy this formula down to all the rows in your data table. Next, in your lookup table (where you specify the Region and Product you’re searching for), you would create a similar helper column. For example, if you’re looking for the sales amount for “North” and “Widget A”, you would create a helper column in your lookup table that contains the value “North-Widget A”. Finally, you would use the VLOOKUP function to search for this combined value in the helper column of your sales data table. The VLOOKUP formula would look something like this: `=VLOOKUP(“North-Widget A”, C:D, 2, FALSE)`, where C:D is the range of your sales data table (including the helper column and the sales amount column), 2 is the column index of the sales amount column, and FALSE ensures an exact match. This example clearly demonstrates how the helper column approach can simplify the process of performing lookups based on two criteria, making it a valuable tool for any spreadsheet user. See also Multiple Vlookup Conditions Method 2 For those who prefer a more sophisticated approach, array formulas offer a powerful alternative to helper columns. Array formulas allow you to perform calculations on multiple values simultaneously, effectively creating a virtual helper column within the formula itself. This eliminates the need to modify your original data table and can be more efficient for large datasets. However, array formulas can be more complex to understand and implement, requiring a good grasp of spreadsheet logic and formula syntax. To implement a VLOOKUP with two criteria using array formulas, you typically combine the INDEX, MATCH, and IF functions. The MATCH function is used to find the row number that matches both criteria, and the INDEX function is used to retrieve the corresponding value from the desired column. The IF function is used to create a logical condition that checks if both criteria are met. This method involves a single formula, entered with a special key combination (usually Ctrl+Shift+Enter), which tells the spreadsheet to treat the formula as an array formula. Mastering array formulas opens up a whole new level of spreadsheet power, allowing you to perform complex calculations and data manipulations with ease. The key to understanding array formulas is to think about how they operate on each cell within a range of cells. Unlike regular formulas that operate on a single cell at a time, array formulas perform calculations on entire arrays (ranges of cells) simultaneously. This allows you to perform conditional lookups and calculations without the need for helper columns. The downside of array formulas is their complexity, debugging an array formula can be quite challenging. However, with practice and patience, array formulas can become a valuable addition to your spreadsheet toolkit. They are particularly useful when you need to perform complex calculations or lookups on large datasets, or when you want to avoid modifying your original data table. Also note that Array formulas can be resource intensive and slow down the excel calculation so be careful and test before deploying in large scale and complex documents. 2. Array Formula Example Let’s break down an example of using array formulas for a VLOOKUP with two criteria. Imagine you have sales data with columns for “Date,” “Product,” and “Sales Amount.” You want to find the sales amount for a specific date and product combination. In this case, the formula would look similar to: `=INDEX(SalesAmountRange,MATCH(1,(DateRange=SpecificDate) (ProductRange=SpecificProduct),0))`. Remember to enter this formula by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Enter. Here, “SalesAmountRange” is the range of cells containing the sales amounts, “DateRange” is the range of cells containing the dates, “SpecificDate” is the date you’re searching for, “ProductRange” is the range of cells containing the product names, and “SpecificProduct” is the product you’re searching for. The `(DateRange=SpecificDate)(ProductRange=SpecificProduct)` part creates an array of TRUE/FALSE values, where TRUE indicates that both the date and product match the specified criteria. Multiplying these arrays together results in an array of 1s and 0s, where 1 indicates a match and 0 indicates a mismatch. The MATCH function then finds the position of the first 1 in this array, which corresponds to the row number where both criteria are met. Finally, the INDEX function retrieves the sales amount from the “SalesAmountRange” at that row number. This powerful formula allows you to perform a VLOOKUP with two criteria without the need for a helper column. Practice with different datasets and criteria will help you master the nuances of array formulas and unlock their full potential. While the learning curve can be steep, the payoff in terms of efficiency and flexibility is well worth the effort. Method 3 Another powerful and flexible alternative to VLOOKUP with two criteria involves combining the INDEX and MATCH functions. This combination offers several advantages over both the helper column and array formula methods. It’s often considered more readable and easier to understand than array formulas, while also avoiding the need to modify your original data table like the helper column approach. The INDEX function returns the value of a cell in a specified row and column, while the MATCH function returns the relative position of an item in an array. By combining these two functions, you can effectively perform a lookup based on multiple criteria. The MATCH function is used to find the row number that matches the specified criteria, and the INDEX function is used to retrieve the corresponding value from the desired column. This method is particularly useful when you need to perform lookups based on multiple columns or when you want to create more dynamic and flexible lookup formulas. Mastering the INDEX and MATCH combination is a valuable skill for any spreadsheet user, enabling you to perform complex data manipulations with ease and efficiency. See also Vlookup Different Worksheet The INDEX and MATCH combination is a versatile alternative for lookups. Unlike VLOOKUP, which is limited to searching in the first column of a range, INDEX and MATCH allows you to search in any column and return a value from any other column. This flexibility is particularly useful when your lookup value is not in the first column of your data table. Furthermore, the INDEX and MATCH combination is less prone to errors when columns are inserted or deleted in your data table, as it relies on column and row references rather than fixed column indexes. This makes it a more robust and maintainable solution for complex spreadsheets. The structure of the formula is quite simple once you understand the logic. You use MATCH to determine the row number based on your criteria and then use INDEX to return the value from the desired column in that row. This separation of concerns makes the formula easier to read and understand, especially when dealing with multiple criteria. The combination of INDEX and MATCH provides an excellent alternative to VLOOKUP, offering greater flexibility and robustness for complex lookup scenarios. 3. Illustrative Example To illustrate the INDEX and MATCH approach, let’s consider a scenario where you have a table of employee data with columns for “Department,” “Employee ID,” and “Salary.” You want to find the salary of a specific employee in a particular department. The formula would look something like this: `=INDEX(SalaryRange, MATCH(1, (DepartmentRange=SpecificDepartment) (EmployeeIDRange=SpecificEmployeeID), 0))`. Here, “SalaryRange” is the range of cells containing the salaries, “DepartmentRange” is the range of cells containing the department names, “SpecificDepartment” is the department you’re searching for, “EmployeeIDRange” is the range of cells containing the employee IDs, and “SpecificEmployeeID” is the employee ID you’re searching for. Similar to the array formula method, `(DepartmentRange=SpecificDepartment) (EmployeeIDRange=SpecificEmployeeID)` creates an array of 1s and 0s, where 1 indicates that both the department and employee ID match the specified criteria. The MATCH function then finds the position of the first 1 in this array, which corresponds to the row number where both criteria are met. Finally, the INDEX function retrieves the salary from the “SalaryRange” at that row number. Notice that this formula does not need to be entered as an array formula (i.e., with Ctrl+Shift+Enter). This makes it easier to use and understand compared to the array formula method. This method combines the power of INDEX and MATCH for a clean and effective solution. The INDEX and MATCH combination offers a powerful and versatile alternative to VLOOKUP for performing lookups based on multiple criteria, providing greater flexibility and robustness for complex spreadsheet applications. Images References : No related posts. excel criteriavlookup
The ability to perform a lookup using multiple conditions significantly enhances spreadsheet functionality. Implementing a vertical lookup conditioned on two values extends the utility of standard spreadsheet formulas, allowing for precise data retrieval based on combined attributes. For instance, retrieving a product price based on both its category and specific model number demonstrates the effectiveness of this technique. Traditional single-criterion lookups often fall short when data sets require refined searches. The advantage of using a lookup with multiple criteria lies in its ability to eliminate ambiguity and pinpoint exact matches. Historically, accomplishing this involved complex nested functions or auxiliary columns. However, modern spreadsheet software provides more streamlined methods, increasing efficiency and reducing the risk of errors in data analysis and reporting. This method increases data integrity, reduces manual searching, and saves time. Therefore, mastering techniques for achieving this functionality is paramount for advanced data manipulation. The following sections will explore several approaches, detailing their strengths, limitations, and practical applications. We will cover array formulas, index-match combinations, and other methods for effectively performing these lookups. Furthermore, well also address error handling and optimization strategies for improved spreadsheet performance while performing these lookups across your data sets. VLOOKUP, a staple in the spreadsheet user’s toolkit, is fantastic for finding information based on a single matching value. But what happens when you need to search based on two criteria? Suddenly, your standard VLOOKUP hits a wall. Don’t worry, this isn’t a spreadsheet dead end! There are clever workarounds to achieve this powerful functionality. This article dives deep into the world of performing lookups based on two conditions, providing you with the knowledge and techniques to conquer even the most complex data challenges. We’ll explore different methods, from utilizing helper columns to mastering array formulas, ensuring you’re equipped to choose the best approach for your specific needs. Think of it as leveling up your spreadsheet skills moving beyond the basics and into the realm of advanced data manipulation. These techniques not only enhance your data analysis capabilities but also significantly improve your workflow efficiency, freeing up valuable time for more strategic tasks. By understanding the nuances of these methods, you’ll transform from a basic spreadsheet user into a data-wrangling wizard! Why is performing a lookup based on two criteria so valuable? Imagine you’re managing a large inventory database. You need to quickly find the price of a specific product and its size. A standard VLOOKUP can only search based on one of those attributes. Trying to manually sift through hundreds or thousands of rows to find the exact match is not only tedious but also prone to errors. This is where the power of multi-criteria lookups comes in. By combining two (or even more!) criteria into a single search, you can instantly retrieve the precise information you need. This has applications in numerous fields, including finance (finding specific transactions based on date and account), human resources (locating employee records based on department and employee ID), and sales (analyzing sales data based on region and product category). The ability to perform these types of lookups significantly reduces the risk of human error, ensures data accuracy, and speeds up the decision-making process. In todays data-driven world, having this skill is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity for anyone working with spreadsheets. Before we dive into the specific techniques, it’s important to understand the underlying concepts. Essentially, we’re trying to trick the VLOOKUP function into recognizing two criteria as a single, unique identifier. This can be achieved in several ways. One common method involves creating a “helper column” that concatenates the two criteria into a single value. VLOOKUP can then search for this combined value. Another approach utilizes array formulas, which allow you to perform calculations on multiple values simultaneously. These formulas can be more complex to understand and implement, but they offer a more dynamic and flexible solution. Finally, well explore the powerful INDEX and MATCH functions, which can be combined to create a highly versatile and efficient lookup solution. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of complexity, performance, and flexibility. Understanding these trade-offs will empower you to choose the most appropriate technique for your specific scenario. Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty and explore these methods in detail! See also If And Vlookup Statements Table of Contents Toggle Method 11. Example of Helper Column ApproachMethod 22. Array Formula ExampleMethod 33. Illustrative ExampleImages References : Method 1 The helper column method is often the simplest and most easily understood approach for performing a lookup based on two criteria. The core idea is to create a new column in your data table that combines the two criteria into a single, unique value. This can be done using the concatenation operator (&) or the CONCATENATE function. For example, if you’re searching for a product based on its category and model number, you could create a helper column that combines these two values, separated by a delimiter (e.g., “Category1-ModelA123″). Once you’ve created the helper column, you can use a standard VLOOKUP function to search for the combined value. The first step is to insert a new column in your dataset. Then, in each cell of the new column, use a formula like `=A2&”-“&B2`, where A2 contains the category and B2 contains the model number. This formula combines the category and model number with a hyphen as a separator. Next, in your lookup table, create a similar helper column, combining the criteria you’ll be searching for. Finally, use the VLOOKUP function to search for the combined value in the helper column of your main data table. The beauty of this method is its simplicity it transforms a complex problem into a straightforward VLOOKUP operation. While the helper column method is easy to understand, it’s important to consider its drawbacks. The primary disadvantage is that it requires modifying your original data table by adding an extra column. This might not be desirable in all situations, especially if you’re working with a data source that you cannot directly modify. Furthermore, adding extra columns can potentially increase the file size of your spreadsheet and slightly impact performance, especially with very large datasets. However, the performance impact is generally negligible for most common use cases. Another consideration is the choice of delimiter used to separate the two criteria in the helper column. It’s crucial to choose a delimiter that is unlikely to appear in either of the criteria values themselves. Otherwise, you might encounter false matches. Common delimiters include hyphens, underscores, and vertical bars. Despite these limitations, the helper column method remains a popular choice due to its ease of implementation and clear logic. It’s a great starting point for anyone new to performing lookups based on multiple criteria and it serves as a solid foundation to understand more complex techniques. 1. Example of Helper Column Approach Let’s illustrate the helper column approach with a practical example. Suppose you have a table of sales data with columns for “Region” (e.g., North, South, East, West) and “Product” (e.g., Widget A, Widget B, Widget C), and you want to find the sales amount for a specific Region and Product combination. First, you would insert a new column, say Column C, and in cell C2, you would enter the formula `=A2&”-“&B2`. This formula concatenates the Region from cell A2 and the Product from cell B2, separated by a hyphen. You would then copy this formula down to all the rows in your data table. Next, in your lookup table (where you specify the Region and Product you’re searching for), you would create a similar helper column. For example, if you’re looking for the sales amount for “North” and “Widget A”, you would create a helper column in your lookup table that contains the value “North-Widget A”. Finally, you would use the VLOOKUP function to search for this combined value in the helper column of your sales data table. The VLOOKUP formula would look something like this: `=VLOOKUP(“North-Widget A”, C:D, 2, FALSE)`, where C:D is the range of your sales data table (including the helper column and the sales amount column), 2 is the column index of the sales amount column, and FALSE ensures an exact match. This example clearly demonstrates how the helper column approach can simplify the process of performing lookups based on two criteria, making it a valuable tool for any spreadsheet user. See also Multiple Vlookup Conditions Method 2 For those who prefer a more sophisticated approach, array formulas offer a powerful alternative to helper columns. Array formulas allow you to perform calculations on multiple values simultaneously, effectively creating a virtual helper column within the formula itself. This eliminates the need to modify your original data table and can be more efficient for large datasets. However, array formulas can be more complex to understand and implement, requiring a good grasp of spreadsheet logic and formula syntax. To implement a VLOOKUP with two criteria using array formulas, you typically combine the INDEX, MATCH, and IF functions. The MATCH function is used to find the row number that matches both criteria, and the INDEX function is used to retrieve the corresponding value from the desired column. The IF function is used to create a logical condition that checks if both criteria are met. This method involves a single formula, entered with a special key combination (usually Ctrl+Shift+Enter), which tells the spreadsheet to treat the formula as an array formula. Mastering array formulas opens up a whole new level of spreadsheet power, allowing you to perform complex calculations and data manipulations with ease. The key to understanding array formulas is to think about how they operate on each cell within a range of cells. Unlike regular formulas that operate on a single cell at a time, array formulas perform calculations on entire arrays (ranges of cells) simultaneously. This allows you to perform conditional lookups and calculations without the need for helper columns. The downside of array formulas is their complexity, debugging an array formula can be quite challenging. However, with practice and patience, array formulas can become a valuable addition to your spreadsheet toolkit. They are particularly useful when you need to perform complex calculations or lookups on large datasets, or when you want to avoid modifying your original data table. Also note that Array formulas can be resource intensive and slow down the excel calculation so be careful and test before deploying in large scale and complex documents. 2. Array Formula Example Let’s break down an example of using array formulas for a VLOOKUP with two criteria. Imagine you have sales data with columns for “Date,” “Product,” and “Sales Amount.” You want to find the sales amount for a specific date and product combination. In this case, the formula would look similar to: `=INDEX(SalesAmountRange,MATCH(1,(DateRange=SpecificDate) (ProductRange=SpecificProduct),0))`. Remember to enter this formula by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Enter. Here, “SalesAmountRange” is the range of cells containing the sales amounts, “DateRange” is the range of cells containing the dates, “SpecificDate” is the date you’re searching for, “ProductRange” is the range of cells containing the product names, and “SpecificProduct” is the product you’re searching for. The `(DateRange=SpecificDate)(ProductRange=SpecificProduct)` part creates an array of TRUE/FALSE values, where TRUE indicates that both the date and product match the specified criteria. Multiplying these arrays together results in an array of 1s and 0s, where 1 indicates a match and 0 indicates a mismatch. The MATCH function then finds the position of the first 1 in this array, which corresponds to the row number where both criteria are met. Finally, the INDEX function retrieves the sales amount from the “SalesAmountRange” at that row number. This powerful formula allows you to perform a VLOOKUP with two criteria without the need for a helper column. Practice with different datasets and criteria will help you master the nuances of array formulas and unlock their full potential. While the learning curve can be steep, the payoff in terms of efficiency and flexibility is well worth the effort. Method 3 Another powerful and flexible alternative to VLOOKUP with two criteria involves combining the INDEX and MATCH functions. This combination offers several advantages over both the helper column and array formula methods. It’s often considered more readable and easier to understand than array formulas, while also avoiding the need to modify your original data table like the helper column approach. The INDEX function returns the value of a cell in a specified row and column, while the MATCH function returns the relative position of an item in an array. By combining these two functions, you can effectively perform a lookup based on multiple criteria. The MATCH function is used to find the row number that matches the specified criteria, and the INDEX function is used to retrieve the corresponding value from the desired column. This method is particularly useful when you need to perform lookups based on multiple columns or when you want to create more dynamic and flexible lookup formulas. Mastering the INDEX and MATCH combination is a valuable skill for any spreadsheet user, enabling you to perform complex data manipulations with ease and efficiency. See also Vlookup Different Worksheet The INDEX and MATCH combination is a versatile alternative for lookups. Unlike VLOOKUP, which is limited to searching in the first column of a range, INDEX and MATCH allows you to search in any column and return a value from any other column. This flexibility is particularly useful when your lookup value is not in the first column of your data table. Furthermore, the INDEX and MATCH combination is less prone to errors when columns are inserted or deleted in your data table, as it relies on column and row references rather than fixed column indexes. This makes it a more robust and maintainable solution for complex spreadsheets. The structure of the formula is quite simple once you understand the logic. You use MATCH to determine the row number based on your criteria and then use INDEX to return the value from the desired column in that row. This separation of concerns makes the formula easier to read and understand, especially when dealing with multiple criteria. The combination of INDEX and MATCH provides an excellent alternative to VLOOKUP, offering greater flexibility and robustness for complex lookup scenarios. 3. Illustrative Example To illustrate the INDEX and MATCH approach, let’s consider a scenario where you have a table of employee data with columns for “Department,” “Employee ID,” and “Salary.” You want to find the salary of a specific employee in a particular department. The formula would look something like this: `=INDEX(SalaryRange, MATCH(1, (DepartmentRange=SpecificDepartment) (EmployeeIDRange=SpecificEmployeeID), 0))`. Here, “SalaryRange” is the range of cells containing the salaries, “DepartmentRange” is the range of cells containing the department names, “SpecificDepartment” is the department you’re searching for, “EmployeeIDRange” is the range of cells containing the employee IDs, and “SpecificEmployeeID” is the employee ID you’re searching for. Similar to the array formula method, `(DepartmentRange=SpecificDepartment) (EmployeeIDRange=SpecificEmployeeID)` creates an array of 1s and 0s, where 1 indicates that both the department and employee ID match the specified criteria. The MATCH function then finds the position of the first 1 in this array, which corresponds to the row number where both criteria are met. Finally, the INDEX function retrieves the salary from the “SalaryRange” at that row number. Notice that this formula does not need to be entered as an array formula (i.e., with Ctrl+Shift+Enter). This makes it easier to use and understand compared to the array formula method. This method combines the power of INDEX and MATCH for a clean and effective solution. The INDEX and MATCH combination offers a powerful and versatile alternative to VLOOKUP for performing lookups based on multiple criteria, providing greater flexibility and robustness for complex spreadsheet applications.
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