Why doesn't VLOOKUP work anymore?

Encountering an issue where the exact match is not found during data manipulation can be frustrating, especially when working with large spreadsheets. It's important to address this problem efficiently to maintain accuracy and save time.

The first step in resolving this issue is to double-check if the relevant data indeed exists within the spreadsheet. This confirmation ensures that the search is not futile and the issue lies elsewhere.

Assuming the data is present, the next logical step is to scrutinize the VLOOKUP function's implementation. A common oversight is the presence of hidden spaces or non-printing characters in the referenced cells. These invisible elements can prevent the VLOOKUP from finding an exact match.

To identify and rectify such issues, take a closer look at the cells involved in the VLOOKUP. Use Excel's tools, such as the TRIM function, to remove any leading or trailing spaces. Additionally, employ the CLEAN function to eliminate non-printing characters that might be causing the mismatch.

Alongside cleaning the data, it's also crucial to ensure that the cells adhere to the correct data type. For instance, if you're searching for a text string, ensure that the cells being referenced are formatted as text and not numbers or other data types. Inconsistencies in data types can hinder the VLOOKUP's ability to find an exact match.