Difference between Xlookup and Vlookup.

XLOOKUP and VLOOKUP are both functions used in Excel to search for and retrieve data from a table or range. However, XLOOKUP is a more modern and versatile function, offering several improvements over VLOOKUP. Here are the key differences between XLOOKUP and VLOOKUP:

1. Search Direction

• VLOOKUP: Searches for a value in the first column of a range and returns a value in the same row from a specified column. It can only search vertically.
• XLOOKUP: Can search both vertically and horizontally. It allows you to specify the column or row to search in and the corresponding column or row to return the value from.

2. Exact and Approximate Match

• VLOOKUP: By default, it performs an approximate match unless specified otherwise. You need to set the range_lookup argument to FALSE for an exact match.
• XLOOKUP: Performs an exact match by default and allows you to specify the type of match (exact, approximate, next larger item, or next smaller item) using a match_mode argument.

3. Data Arrangement

• VLOOKUP: Requires the lookup column to be the first column in the range, and it can only return values from columns to the right of the lookup column.
• XLOOKUP: Does not require the lookup column to be in a specific position. You can specify any range for the lookup array and the return array, allowing more flexibility in the arrangement of your data.

4. Error Handling

• VLOOKUP: Returns an error if the lookup value is not found, and handling errors requires the use of additional functions like IFERROR or IFNA.
• XLOOKUP: Includes a built-in argument to specify a value to return if the lookup value is not found, simplifying error handling.

5. Multiple Results

• VLOOKUP: Can only return a single result.
• XLOOKUP: Can return multiple results if you select a return array that spans multiple columns or rows.

6. Performance

• VLOOKUP: Can be slower with large datasets, especially when used with exact match mode.
• XLOOKUP: Generally more efficient and faster, especially with large datasets, as it is optimized for modern Excel versions.

XLOOKUP =XLOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_array, return_array, [if_not_found], [match_mode], [search_mode])

VLOOKUP=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup])

Summary of Arguments

• VLOOKUP:
• lookup_value: The value to search for.
• table_array: The range to search within.
• col_index_num: The column number in the table_array to return the value from.
• range_lookup: (Optional) TRUE for approximate match, FALSE for exact match.
• XLOOKUP:
• lookup_value: The value to search for.
• lookup_array: The range to search within.
• return_array: The range to return the value from.
• if_not_found: (Optional) The value to return if no match is found.
• match_mode: (Optional) Specifies the type of match (0 for exact match, -1 for exact or next smaller, 1 for exact or next larger, 2 for wildcard match).
• search_mode: (Optional) Specifies the search mode (1 for first-to-last, -1 for last-to-first).

Overall, XLOOKUP offers greater flexibility, ease of use, and better performance compared to VLOOKUP, making it the preferred choice for most lookup tasks in modern Excel.