Quick Answer

HLOOKUP Function

Looks up a value across rows (horizontal search).

Syntax

HLOOKUP

(lookup_value, table_array, row_index_num, [range_lookup])

Parameters

Parameter	Description	Required
lookup_value	The value to find in the first row of the table.	Required
table_array	The range containing the data; the first row is searched.	Required
row_index_num	The row number within the table (1-based) from which to return a value.	Required
range_lookup	TRUE for an approximate match (first row sorted ascending), FALSE for an exact match. Defaults to TRUE.	Optional

Basic Example

Find quarterly sales

=HLOOKUP("Q2",A1:E5,3,FALSE)

ResultValue from row 3 of the matched column

HLOOKUP finds "Q2" in row 1, then returns the value in row 3 of that column.

Advanced Examples

Example 1: Exact match lookup

Product codes across the top row, data beneath

Return the price row

=HLOOKUP("X100",A1:G4,4,FALSE)

Result: Price for X100

With FALSE, only an exact code match returns the row 4 value.

Example 2: Approximate match (sorted)

First row holds sorted thresholds

Find the bracket containing a score

=HLOOKUP(85,A1:E2,2,TRUE)

Result: Bracket label for 85

With TRUE it finds the largest threshold not exceeding 85 in the sorted first row.

How HLOOKUP Works

HLOOKUP scans the first row of table_array for lookup_value. With range_lookup FALSE it requires an exact match; with TRUE it finds the closest value less than or equal to the lookup in an ascending first row, then returns the corresponding value from row_index_num.

1

Prepare the table

Put search keys in the first row and data below.

2

Set the row index

Count which row (from the top) to return.

3

Choose match type

Use FALSE for exact, TRUE for approximate on sorted data.

Important Notes & Limitations

Looks only downward within the matched column; it cannot return values from rows above the match row.
Approximate matching (TRUE) requires the first row sorted ascending or results are wrong.
Hard-codes the row position, so inserting rows breaks row_index_num. XLOOKUP avoids this fragility.

Common Errors & Fixes

#N/A errorlookup_value is not found (exact match) or data is unsorted for approximate match.

Fix: Verify the key exists, or sort the first row ascending for TRUE.

#REF! errorrow_index_num is greater than the number of rows in table_array.

Fix: Reduce row_index_num to a valid row.

Download Practice File

Practice HLOOKUP with Real Data

Download a sample CSV file with pre-populated data and practice exercises for the HLOOKUP function. Works in both Excel and Google Sheets.

Works in Google SheetsCompatible with ExcelIncludes exercises

File format: CSV (comma-separated values) - opens in Excel, Google Sheets, and all spreadsheet apps

Related Functions

CHOOSE

Returns the nth value from a list.

INDEX

INDEX retrieves a value from a specific row and column in a range.

INDIRECT

Turns text that looks like a cell reference into an actual reference.

MATCH

MATCH finds the position of a value in a range.

OFFSET

Returns a range shifted by a given number of rows and columns from a starting point.

TRANSPOSE

Flips rows and columns of an array.

Frequently Asked Questions

HLOOKUP vs VLOOKUP?

HLOOKUP searches horizontally across the first row; VLOOKUP searches vertically down the first column.

Why do I get #N/A?

Usually the key isn't found for an exact match, or the first row isn't sorted for an approximate match.

Is there a better alternative?

XLOOKUP (Microsoft 365) is more flexible and avoids the row-index fragility.