How to use HLOOKUP in Google Sheets - Guide

Last Updated : 4 Oct, 2025

The HLOOKUP function in Google Sheets is a valuable tool for performing horizontal lookups in your data tables. Unlike VLOOKUP, which searches vertically, HLOOKUP searches across rows to find a specific value and returns corresponding data from another row.

How It Works

Search Key: Identify the value you want to search for in the first row.
Range: Define the table or range where the search will take place.
Row Index: Specify the row number within the range from which the value should be returned.
Match Type: Use FALSE for an exact match or TRUE for an approximate match.

Google Sheets HLOOKUP Function Syntax:

The formula scans the top row for the search key and retrieves data from the corresponding row below.

Syntax

HLOOKUP(search_key, range, row_index, [is_sorted])

Arguments:

`search_key` (required):

The value to search for in the first row of the range.
This can be a number, text, logical value (TRUE/FALSE), or a cell reference.

`range` (required):

The range of cells to search and retrieve data from.
The first row in this range is searched for the search_key, and the function returns a value from the specified index row.

`index` (required):

The row number (relative to the range) from which the value is returned.
For example, if index is 2, the function returns a value from the second row of the range.

`is_sorted` (optional):

A Boolean value that determines whether the search is performed using an exact match or approximate match:

FALSE (or 0): Searches for an exact match.
TRUE (or 1): Searches for an approximate match, assuming the first row of the range is sorted in ascending order.

HLOOKUP vs VLOOKUP

HLOOKUP	VLOOKUP
Horizontal Lookup	Vertical Lookup
Searches for a value in the first row of a range and retrieves a value from a specified row below it.	Searches for a value in the first column of a range and retrieves a value from a specified column to the right.
Looks across rows (horizontal).	Looks down columns (vertical).
Retrieves a value from a specific row below the lookup row.	Retrieves a value from a specific column to the right of the lookup column.
Data must be organized horizontally (key values in the first row).	Data must be organized vertically (key values in the first column).
`HLOOKUP(search_key, range, index, [is_sorted])`	`VLOOKUP(search_key, range, index, [is_sorted])`
`=HLOOKUP("January", A1:D3, 2, FALSE)`	`=VLOOKUP("Product A", A1:D10, 2, FALSE)`
Ideal for datasets where values like months or categories are in the top row.	Ideal for datasets where values like IDs or names are in the first column.

How to Use HLOOKUP Function in Google Sheets

To use HLOOKUP function in Google Sheets follow the steps given below:

Step 1: Select the Cell for the Result and Identify the Lookup Value

Choose the cell where you want the lookup result to appear, e.g., E2. Decide the value you want to search for in the first row of your dataset. For Example, "January."

👁 Google Sheets HLOOKUP Function

Select the Cell for the Result and Identify the Lookup Value

Step 2: Highlight the Range

Select the range where the search will take place. The first row should contain the lookup values, and the rows below should have the return data. For example, A1:D3.

👁 Google Sheets HLOOKUP Function

Highlight the Range