VLOOKUP in Excel & Google Sheets
Looks for a value in the first column of a table and returns a value from the same row in another column. The classic lookup, available everywhere.
Syntax
=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup]) Example: Find a price by SKU
=VLOOKUP(E2, A2:C6, 3, FALSE) =BUSCARV(E2; A2:C6; 3; FALSO) Looks up the SKU in the first column of A2:C6 and returns column 3.
VLOOKUP in Spanish
In Spanish Excel and Google Sheets, VLOOKUP is called BUSCARV. It's the same function: files translate automatically when opened in another language. When you type it by hand, the name and the argument separator change.
| English | Spanish | |
|---|---|---|
| Function | VLOOKUP | BUSCARV |
| Separator | , | ; |
| Example | =VLOOKUP(E2, A2:C6, 3, FALSE) | =BUSCARV(E2; A2:C6; 3; FALSO) |
The separator depends on regional settings: Spanish versions usually use semicolons, but countries with a decimal point (like Mexico) may use commas.
Translate another formulaArguments
VLOOKUP FAQ
What is VLOOKUP in Spanish?
In Spanish, VLOOKUP is BUSCARV. When you type it by hand in a Spanish Excel, arguments are usually separated by semicolons (;): =BUSCARV(E2; A2:C6; 3; FALSO)
Does VLOOKUP work in Google Sheets?
Yes. VLOOKUP works in Google Sheets with the same syntax as in Excel. In a sheet set to Spanish it's called BUSCARV. The separator (comma or semicolon) follows the sheet's locale, under File → Settings.
Why does VLOOKUP return #N/A?
It can't find the lookup value in the first column. Usual suspects: extra spaces, numbers stored as text, or the value living in a different column. Wrap it in IFERROR to show a message instead.
Should I use VLOOKUP or XLOOKUP?
If you have Excel 365, Excel 2021 or Google Sheets, XLOOKUP: it looks left, doesn't break when you insert columns and is exact by default. VLOOKUP is still handy when the file has to open in older Excel versions.