VLOOKUP vs HLOOKUP

Excel Functions Tutorials

VLOOKUP vs HLOOKUP Differences

VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP are the two important functions we use in Microsoft Excel.

VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP functions allow us to search a range of data that are gathered from the users and provide us with the right information that we’re looking for.

The VLOOKUP function is used when we have a set of data vertically.

VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP Examples

Let’s take an example to illustrate the difference between VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP

Let’s say that we have a table here where we’re given the employee ID, employee name, and performance grade.

Now, let’s say that you, as a user have provided only employee ID. By using the VLOOKUP function, Excel will be able to provide you with the employee name and the performance grade given by HR.

Here’s how it will look like –

Now, if we use the same data for finding out the HLOOKUP, how will it work?

The only basic difference between VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP is that VLOOKUP works when the table is vertically set up and HLOOKUP works when the setup of the table is horizontal.

Meaning, to find out VLOOKUP function, we will see the table column-wise; whereas to find out HLOOKUP function, we will look at a table that is set up row-wise.

So, if we need to find out the HLOOKUP, we need to look at a table like this –

By using HLOOKUP, we will get exactly the same result, but the table is arranged differently.

Let’s look at the formula of both VLOOKUP vs HLOOKUP. And if you notice, you would see that there’s only one difference in both the formulas and that is the portion of row or column.

The formula of VLOOKUP is =VLOOKUP (lookup_value, table_array, col_index_number, [range_lookup])

The formula of HLOOKUP is =HLOOKUP (lookup_value, table_array, row_index_number, [range_lookup])

VLOOKUP vs HLOOKUP Infographics

Here we provide you with the top 6 difference between VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP

VLOOKUP vs HLOOKUP Key Differences

The key difference between VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP are as follows –

The basic difference between VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP is while applying the VLOOKUP function, we need to a vertical table. And for the HLOOKUP function to work, we need to look at a horizontal table.
VLOOKUP is a more popular function in Microsoft Excel and many use it all the time. Whereas, HLOOKUP is not used frequently and only used in some cases.
VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP are used for the same output. But their approach is different.
The formula of VLOOKUP is =VLOOKUP (lookup_value, table_array, col_index_number, [range_lookup]) and the formula of HLOOKUP is =HLOOKUP (lookup_value, table_array, row_index_number, [range_lookup]). If you notice closely, you will see that there’s only one difference between these two formulas and that is of row and column.
VLOOKUP helps you find out the data in the leftmost column. On the other hand, HLOOKUP is used to find out the data from a range in the bottom-most rows.

VLOOKUP vs HLOOKUP Head to Head Difference

Now, let’s talk about the head to head difference between VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP

Basic for Comparison	VLOOKUP	HLOOKUP
Meaning	VLOOKUP function is used to find out a particular data from a vertical spreadsheet.	HLOOKUP function is used to find out a particular data from a horizontal spreadsheet.
Usage	VLOOKUP is one of the most used functions in excel.	HLOOKUP is used but not as frequently as VLOOKUP is used.
Output	VLOOKUP provides the same output HLOOKUP provides.	In terms of output, there’s no difference between VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP.
Type of table	To find out VLOOKUP function, we need to look at a vertical table.	To find out HLOOKUP function, we need to look at a horizontal table.
Searched data	When the user is using VLOOKUP, she is searching for the data in the leftmost column.	When the user is using HLOOKUP, she is searching for the data in the bottom-most row.
Syntax	=VLOOKUP (lookup_value, table_array, col_index_number, [range_lookup])	=HLOOKUP (lookup_value, table_array, row_index_number, [range_lookup])

VLOOKUP vs HLOOKUP – Final Thoughts

The difference between VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP is negligible if we look closely. At the same time, using VLOOKUP is quite easy and users find it most suitable for finding out a particular information from a range of data.

HLOOKUP isn’t used very frequently, but it is used when VLOOKUP can’t be used.