Difference Between VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP

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VLOOKUPVLOOKUPThe VLOOKUP excel function searches for a particular value and returns a corresponding match based on a unique identifier. A unique identifier is uniquely associated with all the records of the database. For instance, employee ID, student roll number, customer contact number, seller email address, etc., are unique identifiers. read more and HLOOKUPHLOOKUPHlookup is a referencing worksheet function that finds and matches the value from a row rather than a column using a reference. Hlookup stands for horizontal lookup, in which we search for data in rows horizontally.read more are the two important functions we use in Microsoft Excel. These functions allow us to search a range of data gathered from the users and provide us with the right information we are looking for.

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

Example of VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP

Let us take an example to illustrate the difference between VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP.

Let us take an example to demonstrate the difference between VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP. Suppose we have a table where we are given the “Employee ID,” “Employee Name,” and “Performance Grade by HR.”

Here is what it will look like:

How will it work if we use the same data to find the HLOOKUP?

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

To find out the VLOOKUP function, we will see the table column-wise. On the other hand, to find out the HLOOKUP function, we will look at a table set up row-wise.

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

Let us look at the formula of both. If you notice, you may see only one difference in both formulas: the portion of row or column.

The formula of VLOOKUP:

The formula of HLOOKUP:

VLOOKUP vs. HLOOKUP Infographics

Key Differences

The key differences are as follows –

  • The basic difference is while applying the VLOOKUP function. We need a vertical table. 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. At the same time, HLOOKUP is not used frequently and is only used in some cases.Both are used for the same output. But the approach is different.The formula of VLOOKUP=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 may see only one difference between these formulas: row and column.VLOOKUP helps you find out the data in the leftmost column. On the other hand, HLOOKUP is used to find the data from a range in the bottom-most rows.

Comparative Table

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 certain information from a range of data.

HLOOKUP is not used frequently, but when we cannot use VLOOKUP.

This article is a guide to VLOOKUP vs. HLOOKUP. Here, we discuss the top difference between VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP along with infographics and a comparison table. You may also have a look at the following articles: –

  • VLOOKUP ExamplesExamples of HLOOKUPVLOOKUP ErrorAbsolute in Excel