How to Use the LOOKUP Function in WPS on Windows

Use the LOOKUP function through 4 how-to topics, all available without membership, and follow the index below to complete each task in order.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Enter the LOOKUP function

Entry point: Formulas tab → formula bar

1. Open WPS Spreadsheets.
2. Select the cell where you want to enter the formula.
3. Type = in the formula bar or directly in the cell.
4. Type LOOKUP( to begin the function.

Success Criteria

• On-screen result: The cell enters formula editing mode.
• What you can do next: You can continue entering LOOKUP arguments.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: If you do not start with =, the content may be treated as plain text.

2. Review syntax prompts and fill in arguments

Entry point: Formula bar

1. After typing LOOKUP(, review the syntax prompt shown by the app.
2. Confirm the argument order and requirements.
3. Enter the correct lookup range and return settings.
4. Press Enter to confirm the formula.

Success Criteria

• On-screen result: The cell shows a calculated result.
• What you can do next: You can select the cell again to review the full formula.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: Unmatched parentheses or missing separators can cause an error.

3. Use a cross-sheet reference

Entry point: Formula bar + target worksheet tab

1. Select the cell where you want the result to appear.
2. Start the LOOKUP formula and move to the data range you want to reference.
3. Switch to another worksheet and select the referenced cell or range.
4. Complete the formula and press Enter.

Success Criteria

• On-screen result: The current worksheet returns the matching result from another worksheet.
• What you can do next: You can adjust the referenced range and recalculate.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: Selecting the wrong reference range can return an unexpected value.

4. Build a nested formula and check result updates

Entry point: Formula bar

1. Add another function outside or inside LOOKUP.
2. Check that the parentheses and argument positions are correct.
3. Press Enter to finish the formula.
4. Change the referenced data and check whether the result updates automatically.

Success Criteria

• On-screen result: The formula returns a result, and the result changes when the source data changes.
• What you can do next: You can continue refining the formula.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: It is easy to miss a parenthesis in a nested formula.
• Environment note: If the result does not update, check for incorrect references or whether recalculation is needed.