Google Sheets is a powerful tool that offers a wide range of functions to manipulate and analyze data. One such function is VLOOKUP, which allows you to search for a specific value in a range of cells and retrieve related information from another column.
In this article, we will explore how to use VLOOKUP in combination with the SUM function to find and calculate the total of all matching values in Google Sheets. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience with spreadsheets, today’s guide will show you how to Vlookup & sum all matches in Google Sheets
Use case/scenario that requires you to Vlookup & Sum All Matches in Google Sheets
Let’s imagine you have a sales report that includes a list of products, their prices, and the quantity sold. You want to find the total sales for a specific product, but the sales data is spread across multiple rows in your sheet.
Without a convenient way to summarize this information, it can be time-consuming and error-prone to calculate the total sales for each product manually. In this scenario, we will demonstrate how to use VLOOKUP and the SUM function to quickly and accurately sum up all the sales for a particular product.
Breaking down the formula
Before we jump into the practical aspects of today’s Google Sheets tutorial, it’s important to break down the formula we will use to VLOOKUP & sum all matches in Google Sheets. Knowing this makes our work easy.
The formula for VLOOKUP and summing matches in Google Sheets involves combining the VLOOKUP function with the SUMIF or SUMIFS function. Here is what the syntax looks like:
=SUMIF(range, VLOOKUP(search_criteria, lookup_range, column_index, [is_sorted]), sum_range)
Let’s break down the syntax so you get the bigger picture:
- Range: This is the column range where you want to search for the specific value.
- Search_criteria: This is the value you are searching for. You can either input the search criteria directly in double quotation marks (“Product A”) or refer to a cell containing the criteria (A1).
- VLOOKUP: The VLOOKUP function helps find the search criteria in the lookup_range and retrieve related information based on the column_index specified.
- Lookup_range: This is the range of cells where you want to search for the search_criteria. For example, if your product names are listed in column A, and you want to search for “Product A,” you would specify A:B as the lookup_range, assuming column B contains the sales data.
- Column_index: This refers to the column number in the lookup_range from which you want to retrieve the matching values. If the sales data is in column B, you would specify 2 as the column_index.
- [is_sorted]: This parameter is optional and can be set to either TRUE or FALSE, indicating whether the data in the lookup_range is sorted in ascending order. If set to FALSE, an exact match is required.
- Sum_range: This is the column range from which you want to sum the matching values.
By nesting the VLOOKUP function inside the SUMIF or SUMIFS function, you can perform a VLOOKUP to find the search criteria and then sum the matching values efficiently.
We know this might look somewhat confusing. But not to worry, you’ll get the hang of it once we get to the practical aspect of today’s guide.
Practical example: How to Vlookup and sum all matches in Google Sheets
Now that we have set the stage, let’s delve into the process of utilizing the VLOOKUP and SUM functions in Google Sheets to calculate the total sales for a specific product. By following these simple steps we will show you, you will be able to streamline your data analysis and make informed decisions based on accurate and consolidated information.
But don’t take our word for it. Check out our example to decide for yourself.
We will start with a very simple and practical example showing you how to Vlookup & sum all matches in Google Sheets.
Let’s cut to the chase and bring you all the juicy details, shall we?
Here is the sample data we will use for our first example:
Our objective with this example is to use VLOOKUP & sum all matches in Google Sheets for sales made by three marketers. Here is how to do that.
Step 1: Choose the cell where you want the result generated
To start, we need to choose a cell where we want our result generated. For this example, we will go ahead and select cell H2.
Step 2: Type in the formula
This is where a lot of people get confused. So we would love you to pay attention here so you don’t miss out on anything.
With the cell where you want your result generated selected, simply navigate to the formula bar and type in the following formula:
=SUMIF($A$2:$A$10,VLOOKUP(G2,$D$2:$E$4,2,0),$B$2:$B$10)
Step 3: Hit Enter
With our formula correctly entered in the formula bar, it’s time to wrap things up. All we need to do is hit the Enter button on our keyboard and watch Google Sheets automatically generate our result in the selected cell.
If you did everything as detailed above, your spreadsheet should look something like this:
From the image above, you can clearly see how we were able to Vlookup & sum all matches in Google Sheets.
If you look at our earlier example, you’ll notice we only generated the result for “Chally,” so we need to repeat the process for the other names.
But instead of going at it manually, which will waste our time, we can simply use the Google Sheets auto-fill option to get that done.
In case you haven’t done that before, the video below will guide you every step of the way. Check it out.
Note: When trying to Vlookup & sum all matches in Google Sheets, it’s very easy to get things wrong. So it’s important you follow all of the steps we highlighted.
When typing the formula, you want to ensure everything is correctly typed. Any mistake will result in an error message.
To save yourself the stress, you can simply copy the formula and paste it into the formula bar.
A comprehensive perspective of our earlier example
If you look at the example above, you can see that using the VLOOKUP allowed us to search both the marketers’ names and product IDs. On the flip side, the SUMIF function takes the product IDs and looks them up in the Product ID column. It then sums the value from the Sales column.
Keep in mind that when you use the SUMIF function with VLOOKUP, it becomes a dynamic formula, such that if you switch the names of marketers, the result in the generated cells will change almost instantly.
Final Thoughts
Mastering how to VLOOKUP & sum all matches in Google Sheets can significantly enhance your data analysis capabilities. In this article, we explored how to effectively utilize these functions to find and sum all matches for a specific value, using a practical scenario of calculating total sales made by marketers. By following the steps outlined, you can save time, reduce errors, and gain valuable insights from your data.
With the power of VLOOKUP, you can quickly locate the desired information and retrieve corresponding data from another column. The combination of VLOOKUP and SUM allows you to efficiently calculate the sum of all matching values, providing a consolidated view of your data in an organized and meaningful way.
Imagine the time saved and the increased accuracy you will achieve when you no longer have to manually search and calculate totals for each product or any other criteria. With just a few simple steps, you can automate the process and focus your energy on interpreting the results and making informed decisions based on accurate and consolidated information.
As you continue to explore the vast capabilities of Google Sheets, remember that practice and experimentation are key. Don’t be afraid to apply these functions to various scenarios and adapt them to your specific needs. With each new challenge you tackle, your proficiency will grow, and you will unlock even more possibilities for data analysis and manipulation.