WPS Spreadsheet: Use XLOOKUP to Match Dog Records Without a Macro
Question details
The user needs to retrieve record IDs from a large spreadsheet and add them to matching dog records in a smaller spreadsheet without manually copying values or creating a macro.
- Product
- WPS Spreadsheet
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Dog names are used as matching keys between a large source file and a smaller target file, and the retrieved IDs may need to be saved as fixed values.
- Observed behavior
- The goal is to automatically return the correct record ID for each matching dog name and optionally convert the formula results to values.
Confirm that the dog names used for matching are accurate and unique in the source file. Correct invalid or outdated record IDs before running the lookup, and keep the source and target workbooks open so their ranges can be selected easily.
Use XLOOKUP in WPS Spreadsheet to retrieve matching dog IDs
Use this method when dog names are reliable lookup keys and the source file contains the correct record IDs.
XLOOKUP searches the dog-name column in the large source file and returns the corresponding ID from its ID column. The exact sheet or workbook references may differ depending on how your files are organized.
Open the large source workbook and the smaller target workbook in WPS Spreadsheet. Identify the source column containing record IDs, the source column containing dog names, and the target column containing dog names.
In the first blank ID cell beside the target dog name, choose the formula bar or press Enter and enter a formula such as =XLOOKUP(F3,'Large File'!$B$3:$B$57000,'Large File'!$A$3:$A$57000,"Not found",0), replacing the sheet name and ranges with your own source columns.
Select the cell containing the formula, then drag its fill handle down the target list or use the Fill Down command from the Home tab to return an ID for each dog name.
Review cells showing "Not found" and compare the dog names with the source file. Remove extra spaces or correct spelling and invalid source IDs before repeating the lookup.
Select the completed lookup results, press Ctrl+C, choose Paste Special from the Home tab, and select Values to replace formulas with fixed record IDs.
Use INDEX and MATCH when XLOOKUP is unavailable
Use this alternative when your WPS Spreadsheet version does not provide XLOOKUP or when you need separate control over the lookup and return ranges.
Match dog records with lookup formulas in WPS Spreadsheet
WPS Spreadsheet lets you match dog names across workbooks with XLOOKUP, VLOOKUP, or INDEX and MATCH, then paste the returned IDs as values when a fixed migration list is needed. Its familiar spreadsheet interface supports a straightforward alternative to manual copying or macros.
- 1. Open the source and target files: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open the large source workbook and the smaller target workbook.
- 2. Create the lookup: Click the first target ID cell and enter an XLOOKUP formula using the source dog-name range and record-ID range.
- 3. Fill and verify results: Fill the formula down the target list and review any Not found results or duplicate dog names.
- 4. Save fixed IDs: Copy the completed results, select Home > Paste Special > Values, and save the target workbook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I match the dog records without using VBA?
Yes. In WPS Spreadsheet, XLOOKUP, VLOOKUP, or INDEX and MATCH can retrieve the record ID based on each dog name without a macro.
What should I do if XLOOKUP returns Not found?
Check for spelling differences, leading or trailing spaces, and mismatched data types. Also confirm that the source dog-name range is correct and that the record exists in the source file.
Which XLOOKUP formula should I use for these files?
If dog names are in column B and IDs are in column A of the source file, and the target name is in F3, use =XLOOKUP(F3,SourceNameRange,SourceIDRange,"Not found",0), replacing the ranges with your actual workbook references.
How do I keep the IDs from changing after the lookup?
Select the completed lookup cells, use Home > Copy, then choose Home > Paste Special > Values. This replaces the formulas with their current ID results.
Can I use INDEX and MATCH instead of XLOOKUP?
Yes. A compatible example is =INDEX($A$3:$A$57000,MATCH(F3,$B$3:$B$57000,0)). Adjust the ID range, dog-name range, and target cell to match your workbook.
