Excel formula: Multiple chained VLOOKUPs

Generic formula

=IFERROR(VLOOKUP 1,IFERROR(VLOOKUP 2,VLOOKUP 3))

Summary

If you need to perform multiple lookups sequentially, based on whether the earlier lookups succeed or not, you can chain one or more VLOOKUPs together with IFERROR.

In the example shown, the formula in L5 is:

=IFERROR(VLOOKUP(K5,B5:C7,2,0),IFERROR(VLOOKUP(K5,E5:F7,2,0),VLOOKUP(K5,H5:I7,2,0)))

Explanation

The IFERROR function is designed to trap errors and perform an alternate action when an error is detected. The VLOOKUP function will throw an #N/A error when a value isn't found.

By nesting multiple VLOOKUPs inside the IFERROR function, the formula allows for sequential lookups. If the first VLOOKUP fails, IFERROR catches the error and runs another VLOOKUP. If the second VLOOKUP fails, IFERROR catches the error and runs another VLOOKUP, and so on.

Author

Dave Bruns

Related formulas

VLOOKUP with 2 lookup tables

Working from the inside out, the IF function in this formula, which is entered as the "table_array" argument in VLOOKUP, runs a logical test on the value in column C "Years", which represents the number of years a salesperson has been with a company...

Two-way lookup with VLOOKUP

This is a standard VLOOKUP exact match formula with one exception: the column index is supplied by the MATCH function. Note that the lookup array given to MATCH (B2:E2) representing column headers deliberately includes the empty cell B2. This is...

Calculate grades with VLOOKUP

In this example, the scores in column F are lookup values for the VLOOKUP function. The lookup table is the named range "key" (B5:C9). The column index is provided as 2, since we want VLOOKUP to return a grade from the second column. Finally, the...

Get employee information with VLOOKUP

In this case "id" is a named range = B4 (which contains the lookup value), and "data" is a named range = B8:E107 (the data in the table). The number 3 indicates the 3rd column in the table (last name) and FALSE is supplied to force an exact match...

Merge tables with VLOOKUP

This is a standard "exact match" VLOOKUP formula with one exception: the column index is calculated using the COLUMN function. When the COLUMN function is used without any arguments, it returns a number that corresponds to the current column. In...

VLOOKUP without #N/A error

When VLOOKUP can't find a value in a lookup table, it returns the #N/A error. The IFERROR function allows you to catch errors and return your own custom value when there is an error. If VLOOKUP returns a value normally, there is no error and the...

Related functions

Excel VLOOKUP Function

VLOOKUP is an Excel function to look up data in a table organized vertically. VLOOKUP supports approximate and exact matching, and wildcards (* ?) for partial matches. Lookup values must appear in the first...

Excel IFERROR Function

The Excel IFERROR function returns a custom result when a formula generates an error, and a standard result when no error is detected. IFERROR is an elegant way to trap and manage errors without using more complicated nested IF statements.

Excel Formula Training

Formulas are the key to getting things done in Excel. In this accelerated training, you'll learn how to use formulas to manipulate text, work with dates and times, lookup values with VLOOKUP and INDEX & MATCH, count and sum with criteria, dynamically rank values, and create dynamic ranges. You'll also learn how to troubleshoot, trace errors, and fix problems. Instant access. See details here.

500 Formulas | 101 Functions

Exceljet

Quick, clean, and to the point

Multiple chained VLOOKUPs

Excel Formula Training

Download 200+ Excel Shortcuts

Excel video training