Formula Generator
Build formulas instantly for Excel, Google Sheets, or Google Docs — with explanations for every formula.
Quick reference
Frequently asked questions
How do I use VLOOKUP in Excel?
VLOOKUP searches for a value in the first column of a range and returns a value from another column in the same row. Syntax: =VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, FALSE). Always use FALSE for exact matches. Use INDEX MATCH instead if your table structure changes often.
What is the difference between VLOOKUP and INDEX MATCH?
INDEX MATCH can look left (VLOOKUP can't), doesn't break when you insert columns, and is faster on large datasets. Both work identically in Excel and Google Sheets. Use our builder above to generate both.
Do Excel formulas work in Google Sheets?
Most do — VLOOKUP, INDEX MATCH, IF, IFS, SUMIF, SUMIFS, COUNTIF, and text functions work identically. Google Sheets adds exclusive functions like QUERY, IMPORTRANGE, ARRAYFORMULA, SPLIT, and SPARKLINE that don't exist in Excel.
What is QUERY in Google Sheets?
QUERY lets you filter, sort, and aggregate data using SQL-like syntax directly in a cell. Example: =QUERY(A:C,"SELECT A, SUM(C) WHERE B='East' GROUP BY A"). It's one of the most powerful Sheets-exclusive functions.
What is XLOOKUP and when should I use it?
XLOOKUP is available in Excel 365, Excel 2021, and Google Sheets. It replaces VLOOKUP with no column number needed, works in any direction, and handles missing values with a built-in fallback parameter.
How do I fix a #N/A error in VLOOKUP?
#N/A means VLOOKUP can't find the value. Common causes: leading/trailing spaces (fix with TRIM), number stored as text, or the value doesn't exist. Wrap in IFERROR: =IFERROR(VLOOKUP(...),"Not found").