Using the Excel VLOOKUP Functions

15 May 2026 9:30am–12:30pm

Online via Microsoft Teams

Get directions

In Excel, the LOOKUP functions let you search for a value by using another piece of data. For instance, you may want to find someone’s pay scale, by searching on their name.

Once mastered, the LOOKUP functions are powerful tools that will make your spreadsheets much more useful.

This half day course starts with the absolute basics of LOOKUP, and goes on to:

  • Finding an exact match – or the nearest fit
  • Using VLOOKUP across different sheets
  • Finding the second (or third, or fourth) return, rather than the first
  • Looking UP a list, rather than from the top down
  • Searching horizontally (HLOOKUP)
  • XLOOKUP – the newest (and easiest to use) of the lookup functions
  • Using a helper column to differentiate similar data

Each lesson comes with its own practise exercises, and questions are encouraged by the tutor.

The course is delivered using our own Excel booklet, which is yours to keep. And you will have free access to our online Excel helpdesk, for six months after the course.

Register to attend the course via the form below:

Sorry!

Our online forms use javascript to enable advanced features such as saving and continuing later, and to improve security. Please either enable javascript for this site or contact your IT department for further help.

Using the Excel VLOOKUP Functions

  • If you don't know your membership number please tell us your home postcode so we can find it for you.
  • We will use this information to check your UNISON membership and to send you information about attendance. If we are able to offer you a place on your chosen course then you will receive an email from us with further information.
  • UNISON Learning & Organising Equality Monitoring Form

  • This section of the form is entirely voluntary; however your co-operation would be appreciated. UNISON gathers this information so that participation in education and training can be monitored. This allows us to identify where there are areas of underrepresentation and work with our colleagues in the wider union to address any barriers to equal access.
  • We appreciate that some of the categories below are limited, but within these constraints, please give the answer most applicable to you.
  • This information will be used to update your UNISON membership records and will be treated in the strictest confidence.