Approximate vs exact match in Google Sheets - Quick Revision & Key Differences

Recall & Review

beginner

What does an exact match mean in a lookup formula like VLOOKUP?

An exact match means the formula looks for a value that exactly matches the lookup value. If it doesn't find the exact value, it returns an error or a specific result indicating no match.

beginner

What is an approximate match in lookup formulas?

An approximate match means the formula finds the closest value that is less than or equal to the lookup value. It is used when data is sorted and an exact match might not exist.

beginner

How do you specify an exact match in VLOOKUP?

You set the fourth argument, called is_sorted, to FALSE or 0. For example: =VLOOKUP(A2, B2:D10, 2, FALSE).

beginner

How do you specify an approximate match in VLOOKUP?

You set the fourth argument, is_sorted, to TRUE or omit it. For example: =VLOOKUP(A2, B2:D10, 2, TRUE) or =VLOOKUP(A2, B2:D10, 2).

intermediate

Why must data be sorted when using approximate match in VLOOKUP?

Data must be sorted in ascending order because VLOOKUP stops searching once it finds a value greater than the lookup value. Sorting ensures it finds the closest smaller or equal value correctly.

What happens if you use VLOOKUP with FALSE for the last argument and the exact value is not found?

A It returns the closest smaller value

B It returns an error like #N/A

C It returns the closest larger value

D It returns the first value in the range

Using FALSE means exact match is required. If no exact match is found, VLOOKUP returns #N/A error.

If you want to find the closest match less than or equal to your lookup value, which VLOOKUP setting should you use?

A Use a different formula like SUM

B Set last argument to FALSE

C Set last argument to TRUE or omit it

D Sort data in descending order

Setting the last argument to TRUE or omitting it enables approximate match, which finds the closest smaller or equal value.

What is the default behavior of VLOOKUP if the last argument is omitted?

A Approximate match (TRUE)

B Exact match (FALSE)

C Returns an error

D Returns the first value

If omitted, VLOOKUP assumes TRUE for approximate match.

Why is sorting data important when using approximate match in VLOOKUP?

A Because VLOOKUP stops searching after passing the lookup value

B Because VLOOKUP only works on sorted data

C Because sorting changes the formula syntax

D Sorting is not important

VLOOKUP stops searching once it finds a value greater than the lookup value, so sorting ensures it finds the correct closest smaller value.

Which of these is true about exact and approximate matches?

A Both require FALSE

B Exact match requires TRUE, approximate match requires FALSE

C Both require TRUE

D Exact match requires FALSE, approximate match requires TRUE or omitted

Exact match uses FALSE, approximate match uses TRUE or omitted for the last argument in VLOOKUP.

Explain the difference between approximate and exact match in lookup formulas.

Think about how VLOOKUP behaves with TRUE vs FALSE in the last argument.

Describe why sorting data is necessary when using approximate match in VLOOKUP.

Consider how VLOOKUP searches through the data.