The lookup function in Excel can save you a lot of time and effort, but only if you actually know how to use its many forms and alterations.

The lookup function in Excel can save you a lot of time and effort, but only if you actually know how to use its many forms and alterations.

A little from column A, a little from column B: XLOOKUP is the new, easier way to retrieve information across Excel spreadsheets.

If you work with a large dataset or usually query the same data in an Excel table, then you should use the VLOOKUP function to make your life easier – here's how.

To use VLOOKUP in Excel, open the “Formulas” menu at the top of the screen. The VLOOKUP function is most helpful when you’re trying to find a specific value in a large spreadsheet.