How to Use the HLOOKUP Function in WPS on Windows

Last updated:July 20, 2026

Use HLOOKUP through 4 how-to topics covering formula entry, argument input, cross-sheet references, and result checking; choose a topic from the index and follow the steps to complete the task.

How-to Index

No.TopicMembership Requirement
11. Enter the HLOOKUP functionFree
22. Fill in arguments with syntax promptsFree
33. Use HLOOKUP across worksheets3. Use HLOOKUP across worksheetsFree
44. Check results and recalculateFree

How-to Guide

1. Enter the HLOOKUP function

Entry point: Formulas tab → formula bar

  1. Open WPS Spreadsheets and select the cell where you want the result to appear.
  2. Type = in the formula bar or directly in the cell.
  3. Continue by typing HLOOKUP(.
  4. Check whether the function name and syntax prompt appear.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The cell enters formula editing mode and shows HLOOKUP(.
  • What you can do next: You can continue entering the lookup value, data range, and return row number.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: If you do not type = first, the content may be treated as plain text.
  • Environment note: You need an editable cell to enter a formula.

2. Fill in arguments with syntax prompts

Entry point: A cell or formula bar where HLOOKUP( has already been entered

  1. Enter the value to search for as the first argument.
  2. Enter the data range that contains the top-row keys as the second argument.
  3. Enter the row number to return as the third argument.
  4. Add the exact-match or approximate-match argument if needed.
  5. Press Enter to confirm the formula.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The cell shows a calculated result instead of a formula error.
  • What you can do next: You can select the cell again to review or edit the formula.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: Wrong argument order, missing separators, or unmatched brackets can cause formula errors.
  • Environment note: The return row number must stay within the selected range.

3. Use HLOOKUP across worksheets

Entry point: Target result cell → formula bar

  1. Type =HLOOKUP( in the target cell.
  2. Enter the lookup value first.
  3. Switch to another worksheet and select the data range as the lookup range.
  4. Return to the current worksheet and continue entering the return row number and match mode.
  5. Press Enter to complete the cross-sheet reference.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The formula includes a reference to another worksheet.
  • What you can do next: When the source sheet changes, the result can update with it.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: If the selected range does not include the top-row keys, the lookup may fail.
  • Environment note: The related worksheets need to be available in the current workbook.

4. Check results and recalculate

Entry point: Result cell → formula bar / keyboard shortcut

  1. Check whether the HLOOKUP result matches the target value in the data range.
  2. If the result looks wrong, review the lookup value, selected range, and return row number.
  3. Check whether referenced cells contain text-formatted numbers, blanks, or error values.
  4. Change the source data and see whether the result updates automatically.
  5. If you need a manual recalculation, press F9.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The returned value matches the expected value in the data range.
  • What you can do next: You can adjust arguments and verify the result again immediately.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: If the top row is not arranged as expected, approximate match may return an unexpected value.
  • Environment note: In complex workbooks, manual recalculation can help when checking result differences.