I. Introduction.
When using Excel for data processing, the vlookup function is a common tool, which can help us find and return the corresponding data in the data table according to the specified key value. However, sometimes when we use the vlookup function, we will encounter a situation where the matching result is n a. This article will analyze the reasons for this situation in detail and give corresponding solutions.
2. Cause analysis.
Lookup value does not exist in the data table: When using the vlookup function for a lookup, if the specified lookup value does not exist in the data table, the function returns n a. This is because the vlookup function can only find data in the data table that exactly matches the specified key value, and if it can't find a match, it will return n a.
The data table is not sorted correctly: When the vlookup function looks up the data, it requires the data table to be sorted in ascending order according to the lookup column. If the data table is not sorted correctly, the vlookup function may not be able to find the correct match and thus return n a.
Find column does not match the returned column: The third parameter of the vlookup function is to specify which column in the return table has data. If the specified return column is incorrect, or if the column contains empty cells or incorrect values, the vlookup function may return n a.
Data table contains duplicate key values: When there are duplicate key values in the data table, the vlookup function will only return the data for the first found match. If the required data is included in subsequent matches, but the vlookup function is unable to find and return this data due to the presence of duplicate key values, resulting in the return of n a.
3. Solution.
Check if the lookup value exists in the datasheet: First, we need to confirm that the specified lookup value actually exists in the datasheet. This can be verified by looking up manually or by using Excel's search function. If the lookup value doesn't exist in the data table, we need to reconfirm that the lookup value is correct, or consider using another method to get the data we need.
Sort the data table correctly: Before using the vlookup function, we need to make sure that the data table has been sorted in ascending order by the lookup column. This can be achieved by selecting the datatable area and using Excel's sorting function. After making sure that the data table is sorted correctly, use the vlookup function to look it up again and you should be able to get the correct result.
Check the settings of the return column: When the vlookup function returns n a, we need to check if the third parameter (the return column) is set correctly. Make sure that the specified return column really contains the data you need and that there are no empty cells or wrong values. If you need to return multiple columns of data, you can use a combination of the index and match functions.
Dealing with duplicate key values: When there are duplicate key values in the data table, we can consider using a combination of other lookup functions such as index and match functions. These functions can find the data you need and return it without considering duplicate key values. Alternatively, we can consider using Excel's filtering function to remove duplicate key values, and then use the vlookup function to find them.
Use the iferror function to handle n a: In order to avoid the influence of n a on subsequent calculations, we can use the iferror function to handle n a returned by the vlookup function. The iferror function can check for an error value (such as n a) in a specified cell and return a specified value or perform a specified operation when an error value is detected. This way, even if the vlookup function returns n a, we can replace it with a more meaningful result or do something else with the iferror function.
IV. Conclusions. Through the above analysis and the introduction of solutions, we can effectively solve the problem that the match is n a when using the vlookup function. In practice, we need to choose the appropriate method to deal with this kind of problem according to the specific situation and ensure the accuracy and completeness of the data. At the same time, continuous learning and Xi mastering of various functions and skills of Excel is also one of the important ways to improve the efficiency and quality of data processing.