Excel Formula Category

Lookup and Dynamic Array Excel Formula Examples

Find values, return matching records, filter lists, sort results, stack ranges, and create dynamic reports. Browse practical examples with syntax, copy-pas

21 examplesCopy-paste formulasPlain English

💡 Ideas for You

Helpful learning resources for Lookup & Dynamic Arrays formulas.

4 useful links
📚 Step-by-step booksBeginner-friendly learning resources from Create & Learn.📘 Lookup guidesResources for XLOOKUP, VLOOKUP, and matching tables.🧮 Formula cheat sheetsQuick references for common spreadsheet formulas.📊 Reporting guidesResources for turning formula results into useful reports.

What this category helps you do

Lookup formulas connect tables together. Dynamic array formulas go further by returning lists, tables, and spill ranges that update automatically when the source data changes.

Lookup & Dynamic Arrays formula examples

Choose a formula below. Each page explains the formula in plain English and gives examples one at a time so long formulas are easier to read and copy.

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CHOOSECOLS

returns selected columns from an array by position.

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CHOOSEROWS

returns selected rows from an array by position.

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DROP

removes a number of rows or columns from the start or end of a range.

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FILTER

returns only the rows or columns that meet a condition.

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HLOOKUP

searches the first row of a table and returns a value from a lower row.

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HSTACK

combines ranges horizontally into one wider array.

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INDEX

returns the value at a specific row and column position inside a range.

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INDEX MATCH

uses MATCH to find a position and INDEX to return the value at that position.

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INDIRECT

turns a text reference into a real cell or range reference.

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LOOKUP

returns a value from a one-row or one-column range based on an approximate match.

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MATCH

returns the position of a value inside a row or column.

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OFFSET

returns a range that is a set number of rows and columns away from a starting cell.

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SORT

sorts a range by one or more columns.

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SORTBY

sorts one range based on the values in another range.

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TAKE

returns the first or last rows or columns from a range.

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TRANSPOSE

turns rows into columns or columns into rows.

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UNIQUE

returns a list of distinct values from a range.

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VLOOKUP

searches the first column of a table and returns a value from a column to the right.

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VSTACK

combines ranges vertically into one longer array.

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XLOOKUP

looks for a value in one column or row and returns the matching value from another column or row.

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XMATCH

returns the position of a value with more match and search options than MATCH.

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Best formulas to start with

How to learn this category

  1. Open one formula page and test the first beginner example.
  2. Change one cell reference at a time so you understand what each part controls.
  3. Check the common mistakes section before copying the formula down.
  4. Move to related formulas when you need a cleaner or more advanced version.