Have you ever been working with a spreadsheet in Excel and received an error message saying "vlookup evaluates to an out of bounds range"? Don’t panic! This simply means that the range of cells you’re trying to look up a value in doesn’t actually contain that value. But don’t worry, there’s an easy fix. Just follow these quick steps, and you’ll have your data sorted out in no time.
VLOOKUP Evaluates to an Out of Bounds Range Tutorial
If you’re getting the error message "vlookup evaluates to an out of bounds range," it means that the VLOOKUP function in Excel is trying to search for a value outside of the specified range of cells. Luckily, it’s an easy problem to fix. Just follow these steps to get back on track.
Step 1: Check the Range of Cells
Make sure that the range of cells you’re searching in includes the value you’re looking for.
When you’re using VLOOKUP, you have to specify a range of cells for the function to search in. If the value you’re looking for isn’t actually in that range, you’ll get the "out of bounds" error. So, the first thing to do is double-check that you’ve got the right range selected.
Step 2: Correct the Range if Necessary
If the value isn’t in the range you’ve specified, adjust the range to include it.
Once you’ve confirmed that the value is indeed outside of the range, simply adjust the range to include the cell with the value you’re looking for. This might mean expanding the range to include more rows or columns, or it might mean selecting a different range entirely.
Step 3: Re-Enter the VLOOKUP Function
With the correct range now selected, re-enter the VLOOKUP function and run it again.
Now that you’ve got the right range selected, just re-enter the VLOOKUP function like you did before. This time, it should work without any issues, and you’ll get the value you were looking for.
After completing these steps, your VLOOKUP function should be working correctly, and you won’t see the "out of bounds" error message anymore. You’ll be able to look up values in your spreadsheet with ease.
Tips for Preventing VLOOKUP Out of Bounds Range Errors
Here are some tips to keep in mind to avoid running into the "vlookup evaluates to an out of bounds range" error in the future:
- Always double-check the range of cells you’re selecting for your VLOOKUP function. It’s easy to accidentally miss a cell or two.
- If you’re working with a large spreadsheet, consider using named ranges to make it easier to select the correct range for your VLOOKUP function.
- Make sure that the value you’re looking for is actually in the spreadsheet. Sometimes, the error can come from trying to look up a value that doesn’t exist.
- Remember that VLOOKUP can only search in one direction – from left to right. If you’re trying to look up a value that’s to the left of the column you’re searching in, you’ll need to use a different function, like INDEX and MATCH.
- Keep your spreadsheet organized and tidy. A cluttered, disorganized spreadsheet can make it much harder to use functions like VLOOKUP effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when VLOOKUP evaluates to an out of bounds range?
It means that the VLOOKUP function is trying to search for a value outside of the specified range of cells.
Can I use VLOOKUP to search for a value that’s to the left of the column I’m searching in?
No, VLOOKUP can only search from left to right. If you need to search to the left, you’ll need to use a different function, like INDEX and MATCH.
What should I do if I keep getting the "out of bounds" error, even after adjusting the range?
Double-check that the value you’re looking for is actually in the spreadsheet. If it’s not, you’ll need to add it before you can look it up with VLOOKUP.
Is there a way to prevent the "out of bounds" error from happening in the first place?
Yes, by double-checking the range of cells you’re selecting and making sure the value you’re looking for is in the spreadsheet, you can avoid the error.
What other functions can I use instead of VLOOKUP?
If VLOOKUP isn’t working for your needs, you can try using INDEX and MATCH, or HLOOKUP if you’re searching horizontally instead of vertically.
Summary
- Check the range of cells
- Correct the range if necessary
- Re-enter the VLOOKUP function
Conclusion
Dealing with the "vlookup evaluates to an out of bounds range" error can be frustrating, but it’s usually a simple fix. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can quickly and easily correct the range and get your VLOOKUP function working again. Just remember to double-check the range you’re selecting, make sure the value you’re looking for is actually in the spreadsheet, and keep your data organized to prevent errors in the future. With these tips in mind, you’ll be a VLOOKUP pro in no time.