HLOOKUP Function

🎯Purpose

Searches for a value in the top row of a table or array of values, and returns a value in the same column from a row you specify in the table. Use HLOOKUP when your comparison values are located in a horizontal row across the top of a data table.

Syntax

EXCEL

=HLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, row_index_num, [range_lookup])

Arguments Breakdown

Argument	Required?	Description
`lookup_value`	Required	The value to be found in the first row of the table.
`table_array`	Required	A table of information in which data is looked up. Top row must contain search keys.
`row_index_num`	Required	The row number in `table_array` from which matching value will be returned (1-based index).
`range_lookup`	Optional	`FALSE` = Exact match (mandatory in 99% of business cases). `TRUE` = Approximate match.

Practical Examples

1. Client Code Lookup Drill

From Formulas_&_Functions_Part_2.xlsx (Sheet HLookup):

EXCEL

=HLOOKUP(B17, $A$3:$K$10, 2, FALSE)

Searches for client code in row 3 ($A$3:$K$10) and retrieves the Client Name from row 2 of the range.

2. Horizontal Tax/Tier Lookup

EXCEL

=HLOOKUP(EmployeeGrade, GradeTable, 3, FALSE)

Critical Vulnerabilities

Row Insert Fragility: Inserting a row inside table_array shifts row indices, returning erroneous data without warning.
Top Row Constraint: Cannot look upwards (row above the lookup row).
Modern Solution: Replace with XLOOKUP or INDEX/MATCH.

Related Knowledge

Notes: 04 Lookup and Reference Functions
Workbook: 11_Demos_and_Workbooks/03_Formulas_and_Functions/Formulas_&_Functions_Part_2.xlsx (Sheet: HLookup)