Why can a lookup return a nearby answer instead of an exact one?
A lookup can search for an exact value or use a rule for the next smaller or larger match. The same table can therefore yield different results depending on the selected mode. Excel’s XLOOKUP makes that choice explicit, which matters when a list represents thresholds rather than exact labels.
Questions you could explore
- What should happen when a requested value falls between two entries?
Start reading
- Microsoft SupportXLOOKUP function
Microsoft documents XLOOKUP’s exact, next-smaller, and next-larger match modes.
Ready to try your ideas aloud?
Your topic carries over. Record up to 2½ minutes, depending on your plan.