we're going to show you how to search

and find relational data in your spreadsheet

by using the VLOOKUP function.

You'll need to understand the concept

of a lookup value, range, column number,

and exact or approximate matchings.

First, click on a blank cell

where you want your result to appear.

Go to the "Formulas" tab,

and then click "Lookup & Reference."

A drop-down window will appear.

From the options, select "VLOOKUP."

A window will appear on the right-hand side

where you can start filling in

the details of your search.

In the bar under "Lookup_value,"

add the value you're looking for.

It can be anything,

from a name, number, or cell location.

We'll enter a name here,

as we're looking for a guest seat number.

Be wary; the text is case-sensitive,

so be careful with capital letters.

Under "Table_array,"

add the area you want Excel to search for your data.

You can do this by typing in a range.

This is the top left cell number

followed by a colon

followed by the bottom right cell number.

You could add a search area of two columns or more.

Under "Col_index_num,"

you'll need to add the numerical value

corresponding to the column with your return data.

In this example, the return data is our seat number,

which is in column C.

The numerical value for this is 3.

So we'll add this here.

Under "Range_lookup,"

you'll need to enter "TRUE" or "FALSE" in capital letters

if you want your results to be exact or approximate.

"FALSE" means you want exact results,

and "TRUE" means you want them to be approximate.

Click down here to start the search.

Your value will appear in the cell.