LOOKUP Function in Gnumeric: Syntax, Examples and Compatibility
Use LOOKUP in Gnumeric to find an approximate match in a sorted key column and return a corresponding category. Two original examples, expected results, cautions and official software documentation.
Verification status: Official documentation referenced; example outcomes independently reasoned or arithmetically checked where stated. Not executed in Gnumeric. How formula examples are checked
Quick answer: find an approximate match in a sorted key column and return a corresponding category in Gnumeric. The reproducible examples below use explicit values so the formula’s meaning is testable without a large workbook.
Evidence: The function name and syntax are documented in the linked vendor function reference. Expected outputs were independently reasoned or checked outside the application. These are not native Gnumeric test results. A guide being published here does not certify every software release or file-import scenario.
Syntax and arguments
=LOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_vector, [result_vector])
The keys should be in ascending order. With a vector result range, the function returns the aligned value for the last key not greater than the search.
Best use case: Find an approximate match in a sorted key column and return a corresponding category.
Set up the example sheet
Enter the following small table, sorted by the minimum score:
| Row | A: threshold | B: grade |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 0 | Low |
| 3 | 50 | Medium |
| 4 | 80 | High |
| 5 | 95 | Elite |
Enter the formula in an unused cell. For a formula returning several values, leave an unobstructed area where those values can expand. These formulas use comma argument separators in a typical English-language locale; commas or semicolons inside quoted text are data, not argument separators. Adapt the separator if your regional settings require it.
Worked example 1: LOOKUP with known input
=LOOKUP(72,A2:A5,B2:B5)
Expected output: Medium.
72 lies between the sorted thresholds 50 and 80, so the category associated with 50 is returned.
Worked example 2: a second LOOKUP case
=LOOKUP(98,A2:A5,B2:B5)
Expected output: Elite.
The highest threshold not exceeding 98 is 95.
Compare both results before replacing literal values or short sample ranges with your own workbook data. For a spilling formula, compare every output cell, not only the top-left result.
Practical advice and troubleshooting
When this formula helps: When you need an exact match on an unsorted key column, use XLOOKUP or INDEX/MATCH configured for exact matching.
Important edge case: This is an approximate sorted lookup: unsorted thresholds can return a plausible but wrong answer.
If the result differs, first verify the text-versus-number types of the input cells, the argument separators for your locale, and the range size. For dynamic arrays, inspect occupied cells in the output area. An error that looks like a missing function may reflect a software version rather than incorrect data.
Compatibility and version considerations
Gnumeric documents this function name in its official catalogue. Some implementations are marked subset/no testsuite; import behavior has not been natively tested. Do not assume optional result arrays or missing-value handling work identically when migrating LOOKUP formulas. The Excel/Google comparison is background only, not a claim of identical behavior in Gnumeric.
Check your installed release for availability and dynamic-array support.
Function availability and parameter behavior must be judged for the specific application and release; a function documented in one spreadsheet does not automatically work in another.
Application-specific source note: Gnumeric documents this function name in its official catalogue. Some implementations are marked subset/no testsuite; import behavior has not been natively tested.
Formula separator: These examples use commas for the function-argument separators. Locale settings can change entry conventions.
Related guides and official documentation
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Gnumeric documentation for LOOKUP — function syntax and current vendor information.
Editorial verification: Function name checked in official vendor catalogue on 2026-10-12. The two example outputs are independently reasoned; no native application run, screenshot, or version-specific output is claimed. Review the editorial testing standards if you require stronger proof before importing a workbook.