[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Combining the power of VLOOKUP and IMPORTRANGE is a great way to transfer specific data between two spreadsheets. Expand the horizons of both functions and apply vlookup across Google Sheets.<\/p>\n
Continue reading to use VLOOKUP across Google Sheets and discover how Sheetgo, an AI-powered data automation platform, offers an alternative that needs no formulas.<\/p>\n
If the data you want to look up is in another tab of the same file, you don’t need IMPORTRANGE. Our guide to VLOOKUP from another sheet or workbook<\/a> covers that case.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”overview” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Let\u2019s review how IMPORTRANGE works. It\u2019s straightforward and only needs two arguments: the URL of the source spreadsheet and the range to import from it.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”spreadsheet-function” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n =IMPORTRANGE(spreadsheet_url, range_string)<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n A few pointers to keep in mind:<\/p>\n Check out our ultimate guide to IMPORTRANGE<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”understanding” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n The VLOOKUP function searches across a range, one row at a time. If it finds a specific value in the first column, it returns a value in the same row from a specified column. As its name indicates, it\u2019s commonly used to look up data.<\/p>\n It takes four arguments:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”spreadsheet-function” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n =VLOOKUP(search_key, range, index, [is_sorted])<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Check out our deep dive into this function<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”combining” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Using these two functions together allows us to apply VLOOKUP between two Google Sheets. Something that would be impossible otherwise.<\/p>\n The idea is simple, we just have to use IMPORTRANGE as the VLOOKUP range. Below is the basic syntax for this combination.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”spreadsheet-function” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n =VLOOKUP(search_key, IMPORTRANGE(spreadsheet_url, range_string), index, FALSE)<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Let\u2019s take a look at what that formula would look like with real information.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”spreadsheet-function” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n =VLOOKUP(A3, IMPORTRANGE("2JLmFDIKcZPATrjWF_9js8Pvw3d2mWzSzYypB1s4z8uo", "follow_up!A:B"), 2, FALSE)<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n This approach is good for importing small data sets.<\/b> However, if working with large spreadsheets, it\u2019s better to use VLOOKUP on the source spreadsheet and import the result.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Below, you have step-by-step instructions on how to get values from a different spreadsheet using VLOOKUP and IMPORTRANGE.<\/p>\n The source file used in the examples contains customer information, including their \u2018customer_id\u2019. The destination file contains information on transactions identified by \u2018customer_id\u2019. This allows me to import data from the source file using \u2018customer_id\u2019 as the search key.<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> Open both the source and destination files in Sheets.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vlookup-importrange-transactions-file.webp” alt=”VLOOKUP with IMPORTRANGE in Google Sheets \u2014 TRANSACTIONS file with customer_id, transaction_amount and product columns” title_text=”TRANSACTIONS file with customer_id, transaction_amount and product columns” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vlookup-importrange-customers-file.webp” alt=”VLOOKUP with IMPORTRANGE in Google Sheets \u2014 CUSTOMERS file with customer_id, first_name, last_name and email columns” title_text=”CUSTOMERS file with customer_id, first_name, last_name and email columns” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> From the source file, copy the URL.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vlookup-importrange-copy-source-url.webp” alt=”VLOOKUP with IMPORTRANGE in Google Sheets \u2014 CUSTOMERS file URL selected in the address bar, with Copy highlighted” title_text=”CUSTOMERS file URL selected in the address bar, with Copy highlighted” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 3.<\/strong> Paste the URL into the destination file.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vlookup-importrange-paste-source-url.webp” alt=”VLOOKUP with IMPORTRANGE in Google Sheets \u2014 source URL pasted into cell B1 of the TRANSACTIONS file” title_text=”Source URL pasted into cell B1 of the TRANSACTIONS file” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 4.<\/strong> Go back to the source file and select the cell range. You can copy the cell range reference from the top-left corner, as shown below.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vlookup-importrange-copy-cell-range.webp” alt=”VLOOKUP with IMPORTRANGE in Google Sheets \u2014 range A1:D301 selected in the CUSTOMERS file, with Copy highlighted” title_text=”Range A1:D301 selected in the CUSTOMERS file, with Copy highlighted” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 5.<\/strong> Paste the cell range reference into the destination file. I won\u2019t specify the sheet in this case because I\u2019m only using \u201cSheet1\u201d.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vlookup-importrange-paste-cell-range.webp” alt=”VLOOKUP with IMPORTRANGE in Google Sheets \u2014 range A1:D301 pasted into cell B2 of the TRANSACTIONS file” title_text=”Range A1:D301 pasted into cell B2 of the TRANSACTIONS file” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> In the cell where you want the return value, start typing the VLOOKUP formula.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vlookup-importrange-start-vlookup.webp” alt=”VLOOKUP IMPORTRANGE formula \u2014 VLOOKUP started in cell D5 under the firstname column” title_text=”VLOOKUP started in cell D5 under the firstname column” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> For the 1st argument, select the search key.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vlookup-importrange-search-key.webp” alt=”VLOOKUP IMPORTRANGE formula \u2014 cell A5 with the customer_id selected as the search key” title_text=”Cell A5 with the customer_id selected as the search key” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 3.<\/strong> For the 2nd argument, add the IMPORTRANGE formula, referring to the cells where you copied the URL and cell range.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vlookup-importrange-range-argument.webp” alt=”VLOOKUP IMPORTRANGE formula \u2014 IMPORTRANGE(B1,B2) added as the VLOOKUP range” title_text=”IMPORTRANGE(B1,B2) added as the VLOOKUP range” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 4.<\/strong> Add the column index, enter FALSE as the last argument to get an exact match, and close the parenthesis.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vlookup-importrange-column-index.webp” alt=”VLOOKUP IMPORTRANGE formula \u2014 column index 2 added and the last argument left blank” title_text=”Column index 2 added and the last argument left blank” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 5.<\/strong> Press enter to see the result.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vlookup-importrange-first-name-result.webp” alt=”VLOOKUP IMPORTRANGE formula \u2014 first name Brier returned in cell D5″ title_text=”First name Brier returned in cell D5″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n If you\u2019re working with files that have never been connected before, you\u2019ll see an error message instead of the value when you press \u2018Enter\u2019. To see the actual value, click the cell with the #REF! error, then click Allow access.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vlookup-importrange-allow-access.webp” alt=”VLOOKUP IMPORTRANGE formula \u2014 #REF! error with You need to connect these sheets and the Allow access button” title_text=”#REF! error with You need to connect these sheets and the Allow access button” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n One VLOOKUP returns one value. To fill a whole column, you can copy the formula down with autofill, or wrap it in ARRAYFORMULA so a single formula covers every row. ARRAY_CONSTRAIN then removes the errors that ARRAYFORMULA returns for empty rows.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n For the sake of simplicity, I\u2019ll build on the example used in the previous section.<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> Add the VLOOKUP formula and select the search key as the 1st argument, using absolute referencing for the column.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vlookup-importrange-autofill-search-key.webp” alt=”VLOOKUP with IMPORTRANGE and autofill \u2014 $A5 used as the search key, with the column locked” title_text=”$A5 used as the search key, with the column locked” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> Use IMPORTRANGE as the 2nd argument, with the source URL and cell range reference as the arguments. Use absolute referencing for both columns and rows.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vlookup-importrange-autofill-range.webp” alt=”VLOOKUP with IMPORTRANGE and autofill \u2014 IMPORTRANGE added with absolute references to the URL and range cells” title_text=”IMPORTRANGE added with absolute references to the URL and range cells” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 3.<\/strong> Specify the index for the column with the result you want, and enter FALSE as the 4th argument for an exact match.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vlookup-importrange-autofill-index.webp” alt=”VLOOKUP with IMPORTRANGE and autofill \u2014 column index 2 added to the formula in cell D5″ title_text=”Column index 2 added to the formula in cell D5″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 4.<\/strong> Press enter to see the result.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vlookup-importrange-autofill-first-result.webp” alt=”VLOOKUP with IMPORTRANGE and autofill \u2014 Brier returned in cell D5 of the firstname column” title_text=”Brier returned in cell D5 of the firstname column” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 5.<\/strong> Double-click on the fill handle circled in red below.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vlookup-importrange-fill-handle.webp” alt=”VLOOKUP with IMPORTRANGE and autofill \u2014 fill handle circled in red and first names filled down column D” title_text=”Fill handle circled in red and first names filled down column D” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 6.<\/strong> To import values from the column to the right, grab the fill handle shown in the screenshot above and drag right.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vlookup-importrange-drag-formula-right.webp” alt=”VLOOKUP with IMPORTRANGE and autofill \u2014 formula dragged right into cell E5, still returning Brier” title_text=”Formula dragged right into cell E5, still returning Brier” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 7.<\/strong> Double-click to modify the formula to import from the 3rd column instead of the 2nd.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vlookup-importrange-change-column-index.webp” alt=”VLOOKUP with IMPORTRANGE and autofill \u2014 column index changed to 3 in the formula in cell E5″ title_text=”Column index changed to 3 in the formula in cell E5″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 8.<\/strong> Press \u201cEnter\u201d to see the result. Google Sheets will automatically suggest Autofill, but if not, you can double-click on the fill handle again.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vlookup-importrange-last-names.webp” alt=”VLOOKUP with IMPORTRANGE and autofill \u2014 last names in column E with the Suggested autofill prompt” title_text=”Last names in column E with the Suggested autofill prompt” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”going” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n The VLOOKUP can only be applied to one search key at a time. That means you would have to copy-paste it across necessary cells. To avoid this, we can add ARRAYFORMULA.\u00a0<\/p>\n The formula below is an improved version. It includes this other function and provides a range for the VLOOKUP search key.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”spreadsheet-function” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n =ARRAYFORMULA<\/b>(<\/b><\/span>VLOOKUP(A3:A<\/b><\/span>, IMPORTRANGE(“2JLmFDIKcZPATrjWF_9js8Pvw3d2mWzSzYypB1s4z8uo”, “follow_up!A:B”), 2, FALSE))<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n The steps below build the same kind of formula for the customer data from the autofill example.<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> In the cell where you want the result, start with the ARRAYFORMULA function.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vlookup-importrange-arrayformula-start.webp” alt=”VLOOKUP with IMPORTRANGE and ARRAYFORMULA \u2014 ARRAYFORMULA started in cell D5″ title_text=”ARRAYFORMULA started in cell D5″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> Add the VLOOKUP formula and select the range of values you want to look up.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vlookup-importrange-arrayformula-search-range.webp” alt=”VLOOKUP with IMPORTRANGE and ARRAYFORMULA \u2014 $A$5:$A$301 selected as the search key range” title_text=”$A$5:$A$301 selected as the search key range” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 3.<\/strong> Add IMPORTRANGE, using absolute referencing for the cells.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vlookup-importrange-arrayformula-range.webp” alt=”VLOOKUP with IMPORTRANGE and ARRAYFORMULA \u2014 IMPORTRANGE($B$1,$B$2) added as the VLOOKUP range” title_text=”IMPORTRANGE($B$1,$B$2) added as the VLOOKUP range” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 4.<\/strong> Specify the index for the column with the result you want, and enter FALSE as the last argument to get an exact match.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vlookup-importrange-arrayformula-index.webp” alt=”VLOOKUP with IMPORTRANGE and ARRAYFORMULA \u2014 column index 2 added and the formula closed” title_text=”Column index 2 added and the formula closed” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 5.<\/strong> Press enter to see the result. If you see an error, remember to approve access between the two Sheets files.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vlookup-importrange-arrayformula-results.webp” alt=”VLOOKUP with IMPORTRANGE and ARRAYFORMULA \u2014 first names returned for every row of column D” title_text=”First names returned for every row of column D” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 6.<\/strong> To import the values from the next column, grab the fill handle and drag the formula right. Double-click to edit the column index.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/vlookup-importrange-arrayformula-last-names.webp” alt=”VLOOKUP with IMPORTRANGE and ARRAYFORMULA \u2014 formula copied to cell E5 with index 3, returning last names” title_text=”Formula copied to cell E5 with index 3, returning last names” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Unfortunately, an open-ended range like A3:A also introduces an issue: the arrayformula returns a series of errors if information is missing.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”cleaning” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n The errors introduced by the last modification can be fixed by constraining the number of rows in the array. For that we will use ARRAY_CONSTRAIN to add this limitation. Again, the modifications are in bold.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”spreadsheet-function” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n =ARRAY_CONSTRAIN(<\/b><\/span>ARRAYFORMULA(VLOOKUP(A3:A, IMPORTRANGE(“2JLmFDIKcZPATrjWF_9js8Pvw3d2mWzSzYypB1s4z8uo”, “follow_up!A:B”), 2, FALSE)), COUNTA(A3:A), 1)<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n The only significant change in this formula is the use of COUNTA for the number of rows. This function will count all the cells containing values that VLOOKUP can try to match.<\/p>\n And that\u2019s the final iteration of this formula, these final changes made it simpler and more efficient.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n For errors that come from IMPORTRANGE itself, see how to fix IMPORTRANGE not working<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”common” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Using both VLOOKUP and IMPORTRANGE can significantly enhance your data management. Here are some use cases that highlight how this combination could be useful.<\/p>\n Employee Information<\/b><\/p>\n Inventory Management<\/b><\/p>\n Financial Analysis<\/b><\/p>\n With the power of VLOOKUP and IMPORTRANGE on your side, you can manage and analyze data across multiple spreadsheets.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”using” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Unfortunately relying heavily on both of these functions can be problematic. Importrange breaks often and slows down spreadsheets<\/b>.<\/p>\n We have a solution: Sheetgo, an AI-powered data automation platform. <\/b>Its connections can transfer data like IMPORTRANGE and process it like VLOOKUP. But it\u2019s more efficient, as it allows you to configure when to transfer the data. It also gives you a lot of processing options and allows you to introduce forms to gather data.<\/p>\n Since Sheetgo is a no-code tool you can forget about using and maintaining all these complicated functions. Just set up your connections and keep important data close at hand.<\/p>\n Cut out data handling tasks and free up time for more important tasks, try out Sheetgo today<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n When you need every row that meets a condition rather than one value per key, see how to combine QUERY and IMPORTRANGE<\/a> or how to filter IMPORTRANGE<\/a>. If you’re new to lookups across files, our guide on how to VLOOKUP between two Google Sheets<\/a> starts with a lookup between two tabs of the same file.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Combining the power of VLOOKUP and IMPORTRANGE is a great way to transfer specific data between two spreadsheets. Expand the horizons of both functions and apply vlookup across Google Sheets. Continue reading to use VLOOKUP across Google Sheets and discover how Sheetgo, an AI-powered data automation platform, offers an alternative that needs no formulas. If […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":44470,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[54],"tags":[39,28],"class_list":["post-49619","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-google-sheets-formulas","tag-connections-t","tag-spreadsheets"],"acf":[],"permalink_manager":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49619","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/33"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=49619"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49619\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/44470"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49619"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=49619"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=49619"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}An overview of IMPORTRANGE<\/h2>\n
\n
Understanding VLOOKUP<\/h2>\n
\n
Combining VLOOKUP and IMPORTRANGE<\/h2>\n
Copy the source URL and cell range<\/h3>\n
Add the VLOOKUP function<\/h3>\n
Approve access between the two files<\/h3>\n
VLOOKUP with IMPORTRANGE for multiple search values<\/h2>\n
Copy the formula with autofill<\/h3>\n
Going a step further with ARRAYFORMULA<\/h3>\n
Cleaning up with ARRAY_CONSTRAIN<\/h3>\n
Common errors with VLOOKUP and IMPORTRANGE<\/h2>\n
\n
Common use cases<\/h2>\n
\n
<\/ul>\n
\n
\n
Using Sheetgo to transfer and process data<\/h2>\n
Other functions to pair with IMPORTRANGE<\/h2>\n