The other function you need to know about which requires additional parameters is the "VLOOKUP" function.

In the AcCME Brush Company, bonuses are paid according to sales figures for the month.  However, while we were able to get Excel to decide IF a bonus was paid or not according whether or not a set figure had been reached, the IF function cannot decide HOW MUCH the salesman should earn as a bonus.  For this we need the VLOOKUP function.

The VLOOKUP function (1) takes a look at the value of (in this case, the total sales for the month), (2)goes off to a lookup table (3) and decides how much bonus to pay.

The function therefore needs to know: (1) where the sales figure is  (2) where the lookup table is and (3) which column of the lookup table to use as the answer.

Take a look at the following spreadsheet:

The sales figure for JAN is in cell B6.  The lookup table (which we have had to enter, according to company levels) is the range of cells E17:F20.  The "bonus" colum is column number 2.

So the VLOOKUP formula (which we will enter into cell B13 is:

Things you need to remember about the lookup table:

1. The columns do not need headings (as we«ve inserted in the above example.  We only did so to make things clearer for you)
2. The first column MUST start with the lowest value at the top, and increase as you go down the list)
3. There can be many columns (not just two), so you need to tell Excel WHICH column to use as the answer.
4. This lookup table can be anywhere on your spreadsheet.  We suggest you find a place a little out of the way so it doesn«t clutter up your work.
5. Finally, for each of the parameters, do not type the cell reference in.  Simply click on the "Sales total" cell , click and drag across the lookup table cells.  Enter the number "2" by hand, though, since it is a NUMBER not a cell address.

Now let«s try the "Practical task" at the top of the page.