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Google Sheets · Verified tutorial

Vlookup returns wrong value in Google Sheets

G2 uses an approximate VLOOKUP and returns the wrong row. Replace it with exactly =VLOOKUP("Beta",A2:B4,2,FALSE).

Verified by JosephineJuly 25, 2026About 75 seconds

Quick answer

G2 uses an approximate VLOOKUP and returns the wrong row. Replace it with exactly =VLOOKUP("Beta",A2:B4,2,FALSE).

Step-by-step

1

Select the targetG2 uses an approximate VLOOKUP and returns the wrong row.

2

Apply the changeReplace it with exactly =VLOOKUP("Beta",A2:B4,2,FALSE).

Shortcut or faster method

Select the full target range first. This avoids repeating the same change cell by cell.

Expected result

G2 contains the corrected formula and displays 20.

Common mistake

Applying the change to more rows, columns, or cells than the task specifies.

Troubleshooting

Re-select G2 and repeat the final action. G2 contains the corrected formula and displays 20.

Example spreadsheet data

This is the clean fixture used for the verified run.

Name	Amount
Alpha	10
Beta	20
Gamma	30

Video transcript

Open the prepared Formula repair spreadsheet.
Select the target. G2 uses an approximate VLOOKUP and returns the wrong row.
Apply the change. Replace it with exactly =VLOOKUP("Beta",A2:B4,2,FALSE).
G2 contains the corrected formula and displays 20.