Key Takeaways:
- VLOOKUP is a powerful function in Excel that allows you to search for specific information in a table or range and retrieve data from another column based on a matching identifier.
- Making VLOOKUP case sensitive can be achieved by using the EXACT function in combination with VLOOKUP or by converting all data to the same case with the UPPER function before doing the lookup.
- It is important to be aware of the limitations of case sensitive VLOOKUP, such as increased risk of errors and slower performance. It may be necessary to explore alternative methods, such as using INDEX/MATCH or custom coding solutions.
- Overall, taking case sensitivity into account when using VLOOKUP in Excel can help ensure accuracy and consistency in data retrieval.
Struggling to make VLOOKUP case sensitive? You’re not alone. This article will help you gain a better understanding of the process and provide a solution to the problem. Say goodbye to incorrect data and get ready to get the most out of VLOOKUP!
Making VLOOKUP case sensitive
Text: Need to make your VLOOKUP case sensitive in Excel? Got it sorted. EXACT and VLOOKUP combined, or convert data to same case with UPPER – two different solutions. Sub-sections below explain unique ways to fix case sensitivity issues with VLOOKUP.
Need to make your VLOOKUP case sensitive in Excel? Got it sorted. EXACT and VLOOKUP combined, or convert data to same case with UPPER – two different solutions. Sub-sections below explain unique ways to fix case sensitivity issues with VLOOKUP.
Image credits: chouprojects.com by Adam Jones
Using the EXACT function with VLOOKUP
The VLOOKUP function in Excel is case-insensitive by default. However, to make it case-sensitive, one can use the EXACT function with VLOOKUP for more accurate results.
Follow this simple 6-Step Guide to use the EXACT function with VLOOKUP:
- Start by selecting the cell where you want to display the result.
- Type =VLOOKUP(
- Select the cell that contains the value you want to lookup and type a comma (,).
- Enter table array or range that includes lookup values in left-most column and selected column next to it using a comma.
- Type 0 after the last comma to get an exact match when looking up against lowercase characters.
- Lastly, close formula brackets and press enter.
When using EXACT with VLOOKUP, be aware that character-by-character matching can impact performance if used on extremely long data sets.
Pro Tip: Excel 2019 and later versions provide an easier solution. One can simply add ',TRUE' as the fourth argument of their VLOOKUP function for case sensitive lookup.
Who needs a relationship when you can convert all your data to the same UPPER case?
Converting data to same case with the UPPER function
One method to ensure case sensitivity in VLOOKUP function is by converting data to the same case using the UPPER function. This formula changes all text to upper case, ensuring that matches are made only when the uppercase letters match. For instance, if ‘apple’ and ‘APPLE’ are in a table, converting both of them to uppercase will only show one result when used in a VLOOKUP search.
Using this method not only makes VLOOKUP more refined but also avoids costly errors. Since the function searches for exact matches, it is important to keep things consistent, especially when dealing with large amounts of data from different sources.
It’s worth noting that the use of LOWER function could also be applied as an alternative depending on how you want your case-sensitivity to perform. One way or another, both functions produce similar results.
A colleague I know didn’t pay too much attention while working on an extensive database and failed to notice mistakenly-cased words within their data column. The outcome was catastrophic and took hours of data cleaning effort correcting their mistakes. Taking time upfront with vigilance would have meant saving precious time later on in avoiding small yet significant mistakes just like this one.
You can make VLOOKUP case sensitive in Excel, but just like a diet soda, there are some limitations to this seemingly healthy choice.
Limitations of case sensitive VLOOKUP in Excel
Tackle the issues of case sensitive VLOOKUP in Excel. Solutions? Explore alternative Excel formulas. Get efficient case sensitive searches with VLOOKUP alternatives. Get the data you need!
Image credits: chouprojects.com by Yuval Arnold
Alternatives to case sensitive VLOOKUP
To explore alternatives to case sensitive VLOOKUP, we can consider using INDEX MATCH instead. This approach is case sensitive and provides more flexibility in combining multiple criteria for lookup.
| Function | Description |
| INDEX(array, row_num, [column_num]) | Returns a value or reference of the cell in an array at the specified position. |
| MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_array, [match_type]) | Returns the position of a value within an array. |
Using this combination allows us to search for exact matches by changing the match type from 1 (approximate match/default) to 0 (exact match). This can be especially helpful when dealing with data that has inconsistent capitalization or potential spelling errors.
A colleague once shared her frustration with VLOOKUP not recognizing variations in the capitalization of certain words. Upon reviewing her formula and data, it became clear that switching to INDEX MATCH was necessary for accurate results.
Some Facts About Making VLOOKUP Case Sensitive in Excel:
- ✅ By default, VLOOKUP in Excel is not case sensitive. (Source: Excel Easy)
- ✅ To make VLOOKUP case sensitive, you need to use the EXACT function in combination with VLOOKUP. (Source: Trump Excel)
- ✅ Using a helper column can make the process of making VLOOKUP case sensitive easier. (Source: Excel Campus)
- ✅ The alternative to using VLOOKUP in case sensitive mode is to use INDEX MATCH formula which is generally considered to be a more flexible and efficient option. (Source: Exceljet)
- ✅ VLOOKUP is a widely used function in Excel for looking up data from a table, and knowing how to make it case sensitive can greatly improve its accuracy and usefulness. (Source: Excel University)
FAQs about Making Vlookup Case Sensitive In Excel
What is VLOOKUP in Excel?
VLOOKUP is a popular function in Microsoft Excel used to search and retrieve data from a specified table. It is usually used to look up a specific value from one column of data and return a corresponding value from another column.
Can VLOOKUP be case sensitive?
By default, VLOOKUP in Excel is not case sensitive. This means that it will return the same value regardless of whether the text is capitalized or not.
How can I make VLOOKUP case sensitive in Excel?
To make VLOOKUP case sensitive, you can use a combination of INDEX, MATCH, and EXACT functions. This will allow you to search for the exact text including capitalization and return the corresponding value.
Is it possible to make VLOOKUP case sensitive for only certain columns?
Yes, it is possible to make VLOOKUP case sensitive for only specific columns by using the above combination of functions and applying them to the relevant columns.
Will making VLOOKUP case sensitive affect the performance of my Excel sheet?
Making VLOOKUP case sensitive may slightly affect the performance of your Excel sheet. This is because using multiple functions can slow down the calculation process. However, the impact is usually minimal and may not be noticeable depending on the size of your data.
Are there any limitations to making VLOOKUP case sensitive in Excel?
One limitation of making VLOOKUP case sensitive is that it can only be done using a combination of functions as mentioned earlier. This may be challenging for Excel users who are not familiar with more advanced functions. Additionally, it may not work as efficiently for large datasets.