XLOOKUP Formula

Searches for a value in a linear range and returns a row or column from another range.

Syntax

Formula structure

Source: Quadratic docs
=XLOOKUP(search_key, search_range, output_range, [fallback], [match_mode], [search_mode])
search_key
Required: Yes

Required argument used by the XLOOKUP formula.

search_range
Required: Yes

Required argument used by the XLOOKUP formula.

output_range
Required: Yes

Required argument used by the XLOOKUP formula.

[fallback]
Required: No

Optional argument used by the XLOOKUP formula.

[match_mode]
Required: No

Optional argument used by the XLOOKUP formula.

[search_mode]
Required: No

Optional argument used by the XLOOKUP formula.

Examples for the xlookup formula

Copy these examples into a spreadsheet and adjust the ranges for your own data.

XLOOKUP syntax pattern

=XLOOKUP(search_key, search_range, output_range, [fallback], [match_mode], [search_mode])

Use this XLOOKUP pattern as the starting point for your spreadsheet formula.

XLOOKUP in a worksheet

=XLOOKUP(search_key, search_range, output_range, [fallback], [match_mode], [search_mode])

Searches for a value in a linear range and returns a row or column from another range.

When to use XLOOKUP

Use XLOOKUP when you need to search for a value in a linear range and returns a row or column from another range.

  • Find matching values in tables and ranges.
  • Connect IDs, names, and categories across spreadsheet data.

How XLOOKUP works in Quadratic

In Quadratic, XLOOKUP follows the syntax XLOOKUP(search_key, search_range, output_range, [fallback], [match_mode], [search_mode]). The function works inside Quadratic formulas and can be combined with spreadsheet ranges, tables, and other formulas.

Common XLOOKUP mistakes

Most XLOOKUP issues come from mismatched argument types, ranges that do not cover the intended data, or optional parameters being omitted when the default behavior is not what you expected.

  • Check each required parameter before copying the formula across a sheet.
  • Confirm that ranges line up with the rows or columns you intend to analyze.
  • Use Quadratic AI to explain or debug the formula when the result looks wrong.

Related formulas

XLOOKUP formula FAQ

What does the xlookup formula do?

XLOOKUP searches for a value in a linear range and returns a row or column from another range.

What is the syntax for XLOOKUP?

The syntax is XLOOKUP(search_key, search_range, output_range, [fallback], [match_mode], [search_mode]). Required and optional parameters are listed at the top of this guide.

Can Quadratic AI help with XLOOKUP?

Yes. Quadratic AI can write a XLOOKUP formula, explain existing formula logic, or help debug broken references and unexpected results.

Quadratic AI

Struggling with formulas? Use Quadratic AI.

Spreadsheet formulas are powerful, but they get painful fast. A XLOOKUP formula can start simple, then turn into logic that is hard to understand, easy to break, and difficult to share with the rest of your team.

Quadratic AI helps you write formulas, explain formula logic, debug broken references, and move beyond formulas when advanced analysis needs Python, SQL, charts, or connected data.

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Why formulas slow teams down

  • Long formulas become hard to read, understand, and trust.
  • Formula logic breaks when rows, columns, or assumptions change.
  • Manual updates make dashboards and reports fragile over time.
  • Complex formulas are difficult to explain, review, and share with teammates.
  • Advanced analysis quickly outgrows formula-only workflows.