The lookup function in Excel can save you a lot of time and effort, but only if you actually know how to use its many forms and alterations.

Learn how to use Excel’s XLOOKUP function to simplify data retrieval, save time, and master spreadsheets with this quick beginner’s guide.

Modern Excel functions like XLOOKUP, TEXTJOIN, and dynamic arrays offer faster, more versatile, and error-resistant alternatives to outdated tools such as VLOOKUP, CONCAT, and OFFSET.