Have you ever wanted to find the price of a product while working in Google Sheets? Maybe you’re working with a list of products on your website or store, and each has a unique ID number associated with it. You could use that ID number to look up the price in your spreadsheet, but what if you have thousands or even millions of products? That’s where vlookup and match functions come into play. With these two tools, you can automatically pull prices from a database—even if there are millions of entries—and quickly insert them into your spreadsheet without having to manually type out every one!
Set up your data feed.
- Create a new spreadsheet.
- Select the Data tab and click the Import Data button.
- Select “From CSV” from the drop-down menu and choose your file location on your computer or cloud storage service (you can also copy/paste its URL). If you’re using our sample data, it’s located at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1h8yEvN6kL-BZGvzEwFoZNIYaB0_lQe1X9yW8O71pMfU/.
- Click Next to continue with importing your data into Google Sheets!
Use the VLOOKUP function to match product IDs with prices.
To use the VLOOKUP function, you must have an array of product IDs and price information in your spreadsheet. The first step is to create this table:
- Product ID
- Price
Use the MATCH function in combination with an IF statement to get the price for each product ID.
In this example, you will use the MATCH function in combination with an IF statement to get the price for each product ID.
The MATCH function returns the position of a value in a range. The syntax for this function is: =MATCH(lookup_value; lookup_array; [match_type]).
You can also use it to find positions that don’t exist in your data–for example, if there is no match between two items (e.g., “banana” and “apple”). In this case, MATCH returns #N/A because there’s nothing to compare against banana or apple (you could try different fruit names until they find one that works).
You can find product prices for use in Google Sheets by combining two Excel formulas
In this article, we’ll show you how to find product prices for use in Google Sheets by combining two Excel formulas: the VLOOKUP function and the MATCH function. The result will be a table of product IDs and prices that looks like this:
- Product ID
- Price (per unit)
This information can be used for all sorts of things, such as creating a shopping list, calculating your profits from selling products online or at retail stores, determining inventory levels based on sales trends over time, etc.. It’s not always that easy!
The basics
The vlookup function is a great way to retrieve data from a table or spreadsheet. It’s also useful for finding product prices in Google Sheets with Match Functions, which we’ll cover later on in this article.
vlookup(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num)
The lookup_value parameter is the value you want to search for in your data set. The table_array parameter specifies which range of cells contains your data–i.e., where you want VLOOKUP to look for matches (in our case: A2:D8). Finally, col_index_num refers to which column we’re searching within that range–which makes sense since our product names are located in column C!
Use the vlookup function
You can use the vlookup() function to find a value in a table. This function will return the first value that matches what you’re looking for, or if there are no matches, it will return an error message.
For example:
vlookup(A2;’Product Name’;2;0)
A simple example
Let’s say you have a list of product IDs and prices in an Excel sheet, but you want to pull out the price for each product ID. You can use the VLOOKUP function to find your desired data, and then use MATCH to get its corresponding value.
- In cell E2, enter this formula: =VLOOKUP(A1,Sheet1!$A$1:$B$3,3)
This formula uses VLOOKUP() with two arguments:
- The first argument is A1 — a cell reference that contains your list of product IDs (in this case, it’s C2).
- The second argument is Sheet1!$A$1:$B$3 — which tells Google Sheets where exactly on the spreadsheet we want our results returned from when using vlookup().
The third argument specifies how many rows down from A1 (where our lookup table starts) should be used as part of this calculation; since we only want one row back from our lookup table (because there are no more than two columns), we pass 3 into this field instead!
But it’s not always that easy!
But it’s not always that easy!
The first thing to know is that the product ID can be in multiple places in your spreadsheet. In fact, it might be in more than one place. For example, if you have three products with the same name but different prices (like “Chocolate Bar” or “Chocolate Bar with Almonds”), then each product will have its own unique ID number. If you’re looking for an item by name alone, this means that your Vlookup formula will return different results depending on which row of data contains that particular product name.
How to use the match function with vlookup instead of a range of cells.
The match function requires a range of cells to match your value, while vlookup will only work with one cell. How can you combine the two?
The solution is to use an array formula that uses the MATCH function in conjunction with the VLOOKUP function:
- Enter this into a new cell anywhere in your spreadsheet (I like C5): =VLOOKUP(MATCH(F5,$A$2:$B$12;0))
- Select all of your data and copy it down into as many rows as needed for each product price lookup table (I’ve used 5). Then select all of those cells that contain an exact match for each product name (in this example, A1 through E6) and drag them down so they cover every product name in their respective categories (Apparel & Accessories > Clothing & Shoes).
You can use the vlookup and match functions together to find the price of a product in Google Sheets.
You can use the vlookup and match functions together to find the price of a product in Google Sheets.
The vlookup function finds values in one table, based on their location in another table. The syntax for this function is: =VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_number). In your case, you want to look up prices from one sheet (called “Products”) and return them into another sheet (“Pricing”). So you’ll use this syntax: =VLOOKUP(A2;Products!$A$1:$B$10;2). Note that there are two arguments here:
- A2 is your lookup value (the price you want)
- Products!$A$1:$B$10 is where you want it to look
- 2 tells Excel which column contains your data
You can use the vlookup and match functions together to find the price of a product in Google Sheets.
Outline of the Article:
I. Introduction
- Introduce the importance of tracking product prices for businesses and individuals.
- Briefly explain the focus on using Google Sheets, VLOOKUP, and MATCH functions for this task.
II. Understanding VLOOKUP and MATCH Functions
- Explain the purpose and functionality of the VLOOKUP function.
- Introduce the MATCH function and how it complements VLOOKUP for advanced searches.
III. Organizing Your Data in Google Sheets
- Guide on how to structure your data, including product names, prices, and unique identifiers.
- Importance of consistent formatting for accurate results.
IV. Implementing VLOOKUP for Basic Price Searches
- Step-by-step instructions on using VLOOKUP to find product prices based on product names.
- Practical examples and screenshots for better understanding.
V. Enhancing Searches with MATCH Function
- Introduction to the MATCH function and its role in refining search results.
- Demonstrative examples showcasing the use of MATCH to find exact matches.
VI. Advanced Techniques with Combined Functions
- Guide on how to combine VLOOKUP and MATCH functions for intricate searches.
- Examples of partial matches, multiple criteria searches, and wildcard usage.
VII. Tips for Error Handling and Data Accuracy
- Common errors users might encounter and how to troubleshoot them.
- Importance of double-checking data entries for accuracy.
VIII. Real-life Applications and Use Cases
- Discuss real-world scenarios where finding product prices is crucial, such as retail businesses, online sellers, and budgeting for individuals.
IX. Conclusion
- Recap the significance of efficiently finding product prices in various contexts.
- Encourage readers to explore and apply the learned techniques.
Find Product Prices in Google Sheets with VLOOKUP and MATCH Functions: A Comprehensive Guide
I. Introduction
In today’s fast-paced market, knowing the prices of products is essential for businesses and individuals alike. Keeping track of these prices can be a daunting task, but with the power of Google Sheets and the VLOOKUP and MATCH functions, you can efficiently find product prices without the hassle of manual searching. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of using these functions to streamline your price-tracking efforts.
II. Understanding VLOOKUP and MATCH Functions
Before we dive in, let’s understand the foundation of our task. VLOOKUP is a powerful function in Google Sheets that allows you to search for a value in the first column of a table and return a value in the same row from another column. MATCH, on the other hand, complements VLOOKUP by providing the relative position of an item in a range. By combining these functions, you can perform complex searches with ease.
III. Organizing Your Data in Google Sheets
To start, it’s crucial to organize your data properly. Create a spreadsheet with clear columns for product names, corresponding prices, and unique identifiers. Consistent formatting ensures accurate results when using VLOOKUP and MATCH.
IV. Implementing VLOOKUP for Basic Price Searches
Let’s begin with the basics. We’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of using VLOOKUP to find product prices based on their names. By following our examples and screenshots, you’ll gain a practical understanding of this fundamental function.
V. Enhancing Searches with MATCH Function
Now, let’s enhance our searches with the MATCH function. We’ll introduce you to the concept of exact matches and demonstrate how MATCH can refine your search results, ensuring you find precisely what you’re looking for.
VI. Advanced Techniques with Combined Functions
To master your price-tracking skills, we’ll explore advanced techniques. Learn how to combine VLOOKUP and MATCH functions for intricate searches, including partial matches, multiple criteria searches, and the clever use of wildcards. These techniques are invaluable for handling diverse datasets.
VII. Tips for Error Handling and Data Accuracy
As you work with data, errors might occur. We’ll provide you with valuable tips on identifying common errors and how to troubleshoot them. Additionally, we’ll stress the importance of double-checking your data entries to maintain accuracy.
VIII. Real-life Applications and Use Cases
Understanding how to find product prices isn’t just a theoretical exercise. We’ll discuss real-world applications, including how retail businesses, online sellers, and individuals budgeting for their expenses can benefit from these techniques. You’ll see the practical impact of your newfound skills.
IX. Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the art of finding product prices in Google Sheets using VLOOKUP and MATCH functions empowers you to make informed decisions swiftly. Whether you’re managing a business or planning your personal budget, these functions are indispensable tools. As you explore the various applications, remember that knowledge is power, and with this knowledge, you’re better equipped to navigate the dynamic world of pricing. Happy spreadsheet-ing!
FAQs About Finding Product Prices in Google Sheets
Q1. Can I use VLOOKUP and MATCH functions for large datasets? Yes, these functions are scalable and work efficiently even with extensive datasets. However, ensure your Google Sheets account meets the necessary system requirements for optimal performance.
Q2. Is there a limit to the number of criteria I can use in a search? There is no fixed limit to the number of criteria, but complex searches may require careful structuring. Consider breaking down complex searches into multiple steps for better clarity and accuracy.
Q3. What do I do if the function returns an error? Common errors include incorrect data formatting or misspelled product names. Double-check your data and ensure consistency in formatting. If you’re still having issues, consult Google Sheets’ official documentation or community forums for assistance.
Q4. Can I use these functions on the Google Sheets mobile app? Yes, both VLOOKUP and MATCH functions are available on the Google Sheets mobile app. However, the user interface may vary slightly. It’s recommended to practice these functions on a desktop or laptop for a more comprehensive understanding.
Q5. Are there any other functions that complement VLOOKUP and MATCH for advanced searches? Yes, functions like INDEX and ARRAYFORMULA can enhance your search capabilities further. Explore these functions to broaden your skill set in Google Sheets.
