Have you ever been working in Excel and when using the VLOOKUP function, you’re met with an error that says "vlookup evaluates to an out of bounds range"? Frustrating, isn’t it? Well, don’t worry! This article will guide you through the steps to resolve this error quickly and efficiently. Essentially, this error occurs when the range of cells you’re trying to search in VLOOKUP doesn’t match the number of columns you’re telling it to look at. Let’s dive in and get this sorted out!
Step by Step Tutorial: Resolving VLOOKUP out of bounds range error
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s understand what we’re aiming to achieve. The following steps will help you fix the VLOOKUP out of bounds range error so that your formula works correctly and returns the results you need.
Step 1: Check the VLOOKUP formula
Ensure that your VLOOKUP formula is correct and that all the references are accurate.
VLOOKUP can sometimes be tricky to handle, especially when dealing with large datasets. One small mistake in the formula can result in the "out of bounds range" error. Therefore, it’s essential to double-check your formula. Make sure that the lookup value, table array, column index number, and the range lookup argument are all correct.
Step 2: Adjust the range
Adjust the range in your VLOOKUP formula to match the number of columns you’re referencing.
If you’ve told VLOOKUP to look in a range that’s say, four columns wide, but then you’ve only given a column index number that’s outside of those four columns, you’ve gone out of bounds. For example, if your range is A1:D100, your column index number should be between 1 and 4.
Step 3: Use absolute references
Convert the cell range in your VLOOKUP formula to absolute references by adding dollar signs ($).
When you’re copying formulas down a column or across a row, relative references change. This could potentially cause the "out of bounds range" error if the VLOOKUP formula adjusts itself to look at the wrong range. To prevent this, use absolute references (like $A$1:$D$100) to lock the range.
Step 4: Expand your table array
Make your table array larger if the column index number is correct but you’re still getting the error.
This might seem counterintuitive, but sometimes your dataset might be larger than you initially thought. If your VLOOKUP is saying "out of bounds," maybe it’s because the data you want to look at is actually outside the range you’ve defined. In this case, expanding your table array to include the additional data can resolve the error.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your VLOOKUP function should be error-free. You’ll be able to match and pull data from your chosen range without any hiccups, making your data analysis much smoother and more efficient.
Tips: Optimizing VLOOKUP for out of bounds range errors
- Always cross-verify the column index number with the actual column number in the table array.
- If you’re frequently changing the dataset, consider using dynamic named ranges to avoid such errors.
- Utilize Excel’s error checking feature to help find and correct errors in formulas.
- Familiarize yourself with the idea that VLOOKUP starts counting from the leftmost column of the table array as column 1.
- Try using Excel tables (Insert > Table) for your data, which can help prevent reference errors as tables adjust ranges automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "out of bounds range" mean in VLOOKUP?
"Out of bounds range" in VLOOKUP means that the column index number you’ve specified is not within the range of the table array you’ve defined.
Can I use VLOOKUP to search for values in any column?
No, VLOOKUP can only search for values in the first column of the table array and return values from columns to the right.
Is there a way to prevent "out of bounds range" error when using VLOOKUP?
Yes, by ensuring your table array encompasses all the columns you need to reference and by using absolute references.
What’s the difference between relative and absolute references in Excel?
Relative references change when a formula is copied to another cell, whereas absolute references remain constant no matter where they are copied.
Can I use a different function if VLOOKUP keeps giving me errors?
Yes, you can use the INDEX and MATCH functions together as an alternative to VLOOKUP, which can offer more flexibility.
Summary
- Check the VLOOKUP formula.
- Adjust the range to match the columns referenced.
- Use absolute references in your formula.
- Expand the table array if necessary.
Conclusion
Dealing with VLOOKUP errors can be a real pain, but with a bit of patience and careful attention to detail, you can get past them. Remember, it’s all about ensuring that the range you’ve told VLOOKUP to look at matches the column index number you’ve given it. Keep the tips in mind as they’ll help prevent future errors, and don’t hesitate to use Excel’s error checking feature to your advantage. With the step-by-step guide provided, you should be able to tackle the "vlookup evaluates to an out of bounds range" error with confidence, and make your data work for you. Happy Excel-ing!