The main difference between VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP in Excel lies in the direction they search for data within a table:

• VLOOKUP (Vertical Lookup) searches for a value vertically down the first column of a table and returns a value from a specified column in the same row. It is used when your data is organized in columns with key values in the leftmost column

• HLOOKUP (Horizontal Lookup) searches for a value horizontally across the first row of a table and returns a value from a specified row in the same column. It is used when your data is arranged in rows with key values in the top row

Key Differences

Aspect| VLOOKUP| HLOOKUP
---|---|---
Full Form| Vertical Lookup| Horizontal Lookup
Lookup Direction| Searches vertically down a column| Searches horizontally across a row
Lookup Value Location| In the leftmost column| In the top row
Return Value| From a specified column in the same row| From a specified row in the same column
Syntax| =VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup])| =HLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, row_index_num, [range_lookup])
Typical Use Case| Data arranged in columns (vertical list)| Data arranged in rows (horizontal list)

Additional Notes

• Both functions allow for exact or approximate matches using the optional range_lookup parameter (FALSE for exact match, TRUE for approximate)

• Both are case-insensitive and cannot perform reverse lookups or dynamic column/row referencing without manual adjustments

• VLOOKUP is more commonly used than HLOOKUP due to the prevalence of vertically organized data

• For more flexibility and efficiency, newer functions like XLOOKUP or INDEX-MATCH are recommended over both

In summary, choose VLOOKUP when your lookup values are in the first column and you want to find data vertically; choose HLOOKUP when your lookup values are in the first row and you want to find data horizontally