How to Use the LOOKUP Function in WPS on Windows

Use LOOKUP with 4 how-to topics, all available directly in AirSheet with no membership requirement.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Enter the LOOKUP function

Entry point: Formulas tab → formula bar

1. Open AirSheet and select the cell where you want to display the result.
2. Type = in the formula bar or directly in the cell.
3. Continue by typing LOOKUP(.
4. Get ready to enter the lookup value, lookup range, and return range.

Success Criteria

• UI state: =LOOKUP( appears in the cell or formula bar.
• Next actions: You can continue entering arguments and complete the formula.

Tips While Using

• Common mistakes: If you do not type = first, the content may be treated as plain text.

2. Fill in arguments with syntax prompts

Entry point: function syntax prompt in the formula bar

1. After typing LOOKUP(, check the syntax prompt shown on the screen.
2. Enter the lookup value first, such as a cell reference or a specific number.
3. Select the lookup range and make sure the range direction matches your formula purpose.
4. Enter the return range if needed, then close the parenthesis and press Enter.

Success Criteria

• UI state: The cell shows a lookup result, and the formula bar shows a complete argument structure.
• Next actions: You can adjust the argument ranges or copy the formula to other cells.

Tips While Using

• Common mistakes: Unclosed parentheses or incomplete separators can cause a formula error.

3. Use cross-worksheet references or nested calculations

Entry point: formula editing state in the current cell

1. In the LOOKUP arguments, switch to the worksheet that contains the data you want to reference.
2. Select the target lookup range or result range to create a cross-sheet reference.
3. If you need to combine other formulas, continue entering a nested expression in the arguments.
4. Press Enter to confirm and return the result.

Success Criteria

• UI state: The formula includes a worksheet reference or a nested expression.
• Next actions: The result can continue updating when the source sheet data changes.

Tips While Using

• Common mistakes: If the referenced ranges do not align in direction, the returned result may not match expectations.

4. Check results and recalculate

Entry point: result cell and keyboard shortcut

1. Check whether the result cell returns the expected value.
2. Check whether referenced cells use the correct data format, such as numbers stored as text.
3. Change the source data and see whether the result updates automatically.
4. If you need to manually check the calculation, press F9 to recalculate.

Success Criteria

• UI state: The result cell updates after data changes or refreshes after manual recalculation.
• Next actions: You can continue troubleshooting arguments, ranges, or data formats.

Tips While Using

• Common mistakes: Unsorted source data or inconsistent formats can affect lookup results.
• Environment limits: The keyboard shortcut works when the current spreadsheet window is active.