This article is a technical explanation and implementation example generated using AI. The posted code and procedures are structured based on primary sources, but functional verification on a physical device has not been performed by the author. Behavior may vary depending on the environment and version.
As data retrieval methods in Excel, the new-generation worksheet function XLOOKUP and macro-based VBA search each take different approaches. Based on official information, this article reviews the specifications and argument structure of the XLOOKUP function, organizing the foundational knowledge required to compare it with VBA-based search processing. Please use this as a guide to safely understand the differences in operational characteristics for practical business use.
1. Objective
The objective of this article is to examine the official specifications of the XLOOKUP function available in Microsoft 365 and Excel 2021 or later, and to organize the differences in approach compared to search processing using VBA. By understanding the structural differences between declarative searches using worksheet functions and procedural searches via VBA code, the aim is to assist with table design and data processing.
2. Prerequisites and Notes
[Before Physical Verification] All Excel behaviors and code execution results covered in this article are unverified.
The XLOOKUP function is available in Excel for Microsoft 365, Excel 2021, Excel 2024, etc., but is not natively available in Excel 2016 or Excel 2019 (as stated in primary sources).
When implementing a VBA search, it is common to use Range object
.Findmethods or loop processing, but attention must be paid to version-dependent behavior.
3. Specifications and Basic Structure of the XLOOKUP Function
The XLOOKUP function searches a specified range or array and returns the item corresponding to the first match found. Unlike the conventional VLOOKUP function, it allows the search range and return range to be specified separately, so it functions correctly even if the return column is to the left of the lookup value.
3.1 Syntax and Arguments
=XLOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_array, return_array, [if_not_found], [match_mode], [search_mode])
According to primary sources, the role of each argument is as follows.
lookup_value: The value to search for (if omitted, returns empty cells in
lookup_array).lookup_array: The array or range to search.
return_array: The array or range from which to return values.
[if_not_found]: The text or value to return if no match is found (if omitted,
#N/A）。[match_mode]: Specifies the match mode.
0: Exact match (if none found,#N/A). Default value.-1: Exact match. If none found, return the next smaller item.1: Exact match. If none found, return the next larger item.2: Wildcard match (where*,?,~has special meaning).
[search_mode]: Specifies the search mode.
1: Search from the first item to the last. Default value.-1: Search in reverse order from the last item to the first.2: Binary search forlookup_arraysorted in ascending order.-2: Binary search forlookup_arraysorted in descending order.
4. Comparison of Approaches with VBA Search
When searching for data in an Excel table, using worksheet functions and using VBA code each have distinct characteristics.
flowchart TD
A[検索処理の開始] --> B{アプローチの選択}
B -->|XLOOKUP関数| C[セルに数式を配置<br>自動再計算に対応]
B -->|VBA検索| D[マクロのコードを実行<br>条件分岐やループで制御]
C --> E[結果の表示]
D --> E
4.1 Differences Between Declarative and Procedural Processing
XLOOKUP function: Since it is entered into cells as a formula, it automatically recalculates when the referenced data changes. It also has the ability to return multiple columns simultaneously (returning an array) within a single formula.
VBA search: Iterates through data using loops and conditional branching within procedures. This is suitable for automating complex conditions or sequential operations such as changing cell formatting after a search.
5. Advanced XLOOKUP Use Cases
The primary source also introduces advanced search patterns applying XLOOKUP.
Simultaneous retrieval of multiple columns: Unlike VLOOKUP, a single formula can simultaneously return multiple items such as a name and department.
Nested XLOOKUP (simultaneous row and column search): By combining vertical and horizontal searches, it can retrieve values at the intersection of a table, similar to using the INDEX and MATCH functions together (e.g.,
=XLOOKUP(D2,$B6:$B17,XLOOKUP($C3,$C5:$G5,$C6:$G17))）。Application to range summation: Combined with the SUM function, it can dynamically generate a range to sum the entire area between two specific items.
6. Limitations and Verification Methods
[Before Verification on Actual Hardware] The formulas and argument behaviors described in the primary source must be verified by actually entering them into an Excel environment.
When using search modes that require the target data to be sorted (
2or-2), caution is required because unexpected results (invalid results) will be returned if the order is disrupted.When using VBA, it is recommended to check in advance using the Immediate Window or similar tools to ensure that target sheet names and cell range specifications are correct.
7. Conclusion
The XLOOKUP function is a modern function that separates the lookup range from the return range, enabling flexible searches regardless of direction.
It allows precise specification of match and search modes, and supports wildcards as well as binary search.
VBA searches are suited for procedural control and automated workflows, but take a different approach than formula-based real-time automatic recalculation mechanisms.
Checkpoints and constraints to review before execution:
[Before verification on actual hardware]Because operation has not been verified in an actual Excel environment, testing based on the specific version and data structure is required.
Pay attention to compatibility with older versions of Excel (such as Excel 2016 and 2019) and the sort order constraints inherent in binary search.
