Advanced Excel Tips: Using VLOOKUP with Multiple Criteria

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VLOOKUP is one of the most widely used Excel functions, but it has a limitation—it can only search for a single value at a time. If you need to use VLOOKUP with multiple criteria, you must use a workaround, such as combining criteria or using an array formula.

Method 1: Concatenating Multiple Criteria

One of the easiest ways to apply VLOOKUP with multiple conditions is by combining criteria into a helper column. Here’s how:

  1. Create a Helper Column – Concatenate the values of the criteria columns using A2&B2 (if A2 and B2 are your criteria).
  2. Modify the VLOOKUP Formula – Instead of looking up a single value, search for the concatenated value. Example:

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=VLOOKUP(D2&E2, A:B, 2, FALSE)

Here, **D2 & E2** represents the combined criteria, and **A:B** is the lookup range.

#### **Method 2: Using an Array Formula**

For those who don’t want a helper column, an **array formula** with `INDEX` and `MATCH` can be used:

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=INDEX(C2:C10, MATCH(1, (A2:A10=D2)*(B2:B10=E2), 0))

This formula searches column A for **D2** and column B for **E2**, returning the corresponding value from column C.

 **Conclusion**

Using [VLOOKUP with multiple criteria](https://www.printercare24x7.com/vlookup-with-multiple-criteria/) is possible through these methods, making data retrieval more efficient. If you work with complex datasets, **INDEX-MATCH or XLOOKUP** might offer even more flexibility.

Need help with Excel functions? Keep exploring advanced techniques for better data analysis!