Function Problems

How to Automatically Return Excel Data by Store Number

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to automatically retrieve and display location details on one worksheet when entering a specific store number, using source data from another worksheet.

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Retrieving corresponding data across different worksheets based on a unique identifier, such as a store number.
Observed behavior: The user needs an automated formula setup to dynamically fetch matching location details without having to manually search and enter the data.

Before you start

Ensure that your source data is organized as a table or a structured range, with the store numbers located in the very first column of that range if you plan to use VLOOKUP.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the VLOOKUP Function

Use the classic VLOOKUP formula combined with the COLUMN() function to automatically pull multiple columns of data at once.

VLOOKUP is a built-in Excel function designed to search for a specific value in the first column of a data range and return a value in the same row from another column.

Select the Destination Cell

Click on the first cell where you want the returned location details to appear (for example, B2).

Enter the VLOOKUP Formula

Type the formula =VLOOKUP($A2,Sheet2!$A$2:$G$100,COLUMN(),FALSE). Make sure to replace 'Sheet2!$A$2:$G$100' with the actual range containing your source data on the other worksheet.

Fill the Formula

Press Enter to apply the formula. Click the fill handle at the bottom-right corner of the cell, then drag it across the columns and down the rows to populate the remaining location details.

Using an Array Constant: Alternatively, you can use an array for the column index number to return multiple columns simultaneously. For example: =VLOOKUP($A2,Sheet2!$A$2:$G$100,{2,3,4,5,6,7},FALSE).

Solution 2

Fix #N/A Errors in Lookup Formulas

Resolve common formatting and range issues that prevent Excel from finding a matching store number.

Solution 3

Use the XLOOKUP Function (Microsoft 365)

If you are using Microsoft 365, XLOOKUP provides a more flexible way to return data without requiring the store number to be in the first column.

Use WPS Spreadsheet

Easily Manage Data Lookups with WPS Office

WPS Spreadsheet fully supports advanced lookup functions like VLOOKUP and XLOOKUP, making it incredibly easy to automate and pull store data across multiple worksheets.

1. Open Your Data: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open the workbook containing your store numbers and source data.
2. Insert the Function: Navigate to the 'Formulas' tab and click on 'Insert Function'. Search for 'VLOOKUP' or 'XLOOKUP' and select it.
3. Input Arguments: Follow the simple dialog box prompts to define your lookup value, table array, and column index, then click OK to fetch your data.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formulas and .xlsx file formats.Includes intuitive built-in function guides for VLOOKUP and XLOOKUP.Lightweight and runs smoothly on Windows, Mac, and Linux.Free to use with a clean, familiar tabbed interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my VLOOKUP returning a #N/A error even though the store number exists?

This usually happens because the store number formats do not match between the two worksheets. One might be stored as text while the other is a number. To fix this, select both columns, right-click, choose 'Format Cells', and set them both to the exact same format (e.g., General or Text).

Does the store number have to be in the first column for VLOOKUP to work?

Yes, when using VLOOKUP, the lookup value (your store number) must strictly be located in the very first column of your selected table array. If it is not, the formula will fail. Alternatively, you can use XLOOKUP or an INDEX and MATCH combination, which do not have this restriction.

How do I return multiple columns of data at once using VLOOKUP?

Instead of typing a single number for the column index, you can use the COLUMN() function or input an array constant (e.g., {2,3,4,5}). This enables you to drag the formula across multiple columns to fetch all corresponding details simultaneously.

Excel & Data Problems