How to combine VLOOKUP with IF in Excel and Google Sheets

Excel & Google Sheets

=IF(ISNA(VLOOKUP(A2,$C$2:$D$5,2,FALSE)),"Not found",VLOOKUP(A2,$C$2:$D$5,2,FALSE))

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1Identify your lookup value (e.g. A2), your lookup table (e.g. C2:D10), the column index (2 for the second column), and whether you need exact match (FALSE).
2Wrap the VLOOKUP in ISNA to check if it returns #N/A: =ISNA(VLOOKUP(A2,$C$2:$D$10,2,FALSE)).
3Place the ISNA check inside IF: =IF(ISNA(VLOOKUP(...)),"Not found",VLOOKUP(...)) — the first argument tests for errors, the second is the fallback, the third is the successful result.

In Excel 2019+ and Google Sheets you can simplify this with IFERROR: =IFERROR(VLOOKUP(A2,$C$2:$D$10,2,FALSE),"Not found") achieves the same result with less code.

Need it for your exact data?

Describe your columns in plain English and get the precise formula for your sheet, with the right Excel or Sheets syntax.

Yes. For example, =IF(VLOOKUP(A2,$C$2:$D$10,2,FALSE)>100,"High","Low") looks up a value and then categorizes it based on the returned number.

Written and reviewed by FormulaCraft Team. Each formula on this page is run through our verification engine before publishing.

Last reviewed: May 28, 2026