How to Find the Approximate Match with VLOOKUP in Excel?
Tags: excelpreface, excelbasics, exceltutorials, findapproximatematch
Published: 2021-02-09 05:52:27

---
title: How to Find the Approximate Match with VLOOKUP in Excel?
published: true
date: 2021-02-07 16:17:15 UTC
tags: ExcelPreface,ExcelBasics,ExcelTutorials,FindApproximatematch
canonical_url: https://geekexcel.com/how-to-find-the-approximate-match-with-vlookup-in-excel/
---

In most situations, the lookup value is a unique known identifier, so we can use the **exact match** to return the **exact**  **corresponding information**  in the same row. Sometimes, the lookup value is unknown, in this situation we can use an **approximate match**  is used to find the **closest**  **or nearest**  **match** based on given the criteria. Here is the tutorial to **find the approximate match with the VLOOKUP function in Excel Search Box**. Let’s get into this article!! Get an official version of ** MS Excel**  from the following link: [https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/microsoft-365/excel](https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/microsoft-365/excel)
## Steps to find an approximate match:

Refer to the below image to know how to find an approximate match in Excel by using the search box.

- For instance,  In the data table below we need to find the grades of the students based on their scores.

![Input Ranges](https://eadn-wc04-371788.nxedge.io/cdn/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Input-Ranges-4.png)<figcaption id="caption-attachment-21721">Input Ranges</figcaption>

- We select the cell where the result to be displayed.
- Click the **“Formula”** tab from the  [**Ribbon**](https://geekexcel.com/ribbon-keyboard-shortcut-keys-in-microsoft-excel-365/).

![Select the formula tab](https://eadn-wc04-371788.nxedge.io/cdn/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Select-the-formula-tab.png)<figcaption id="caption-attachment-21676">Select the formula tab</figcaption>

- Here, we will select the **“Insert Function”** option.

![Insert Function](https://eadn-wc04-371788.nxedge.io/cdn/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Insert-Function.png)<figcaption id="caption-attachment-21677">Insert Function</figcaption>

- Search for **“VLOOKUP”** then select to **“Go”** option.

![Search Vlookup](https://eadn-wc04-371788.nxedge.io/cdn/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Search-Vlookup.png)<figcaption id="caption-attachment-21678">Search Vlookup</figcaption>

- The VLOOKUP function will appear in the below box and click on the **“OK”** button.

![Select Vlookup](https://eadn-wc04-371788.nxedge.io/cdn/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Select-Vlookup.png)<figcaption id="caption-attachment-21679">Select Vlookup</figcaption>

- Now, it will open the **“Function Arguments”** window. In the **1st box** , you need to enter the **lookup value** which you want to be found.

![Lookup Value](https://eadn-wc04-371788.nxedge.io/cdn/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Lookup-Value-2.png)<figcaption id="caption-attachment-21722">Lookup Value</figcaption>

- In the **2nd box,** we will select the data range from the worksheet.

![Table Array](https://eadn-wc04-371788.nxedge.io/cdn/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Table-Array-2.png)<figcaption id="caption-attachment-21723">Table Array</figcaption>

- The next box consists of the **column number** , where the lookup value will available.

![Column Number](https://eadn-wc04-371788.nxedge.io/cdn/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Column-Number-1.png)<figcaption id="caption-attachment-21724">Column Number</figcaption>

- In the last box, type **“TRUE”** to search the **approximate matching value**** [FALSE = Exact match], **and click the** “Ok”** button.

![Approximate Match](https://eadn-wc04-371788.nxedge.io/cdn/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Approximate-Match.png)<figcaption id="caption-attachment-21725">Approximate Match</figcaption>

- The result will display in the selected cell.
- Finally, **drag-down** the result cell, it will display the results in all cells with a matching value.

![Result](https://eadn-wc04-371788.nxedge.io/cdn/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Result-7.png)<figcaption id="caption-attachment-21726">Result</figcaption>

## Verdict:

That’s all. This is how we **find the approximate match from the table by using the VLOOKUP function in the Excel Search box**. Leave a **comment** or **reply** below – let me know what you think! To learn more about Excel, check out **[Geek Excel](https://geekexcel.com/)!!**

### Read Also:

- **[Excel Formulas to Find the Approximate INDEX Match!!](https://geekexcel.com/excel-formula-find-approximate-index-match/)**
- **[Formulas to Find the Approximate Match with Multiple Criteria!!](https://geekexcel.com/excel-formulas-find-approximate-match-with-multiple-criteria/)**
- **[Excel Formulas: Exact Match Lookup With SUMPRODUCT!!](https://geekexcel.com/excel-formulas-exact-match-lookup-with-sumproduct/)**