Final answer:
To merge two Excel spreadsheets based on one column, use the VLOOKUP or INDEX and MATCH functions, identifying a key column as a reference. Insert the VLOOKUP formula in the cell where you want to merge the data, referencing the key column and range from both sheets.
Step-by-step explanation:
Merging Two Excel Spreadsheets Based on One Column
To merge two Excel spreadsheets based on one column, you can use the VLOOKUP or INDEX and MATCH functions. This process is commonly known as a VLOOKUP merge. It involves matching records from one sheet to another based on a common identifier, such as an ID number, which is contained within a column that both sheets have in common.
Here’s a basic step-by-step process on how to complete this task:
- Open both Excel spreadsheets you wish to merge.
- In the sheet where you want to import the data, identify the column that will serve as the reference for the merge (this is often called the key column).
- Choose a cell where you want the matched data to appear. Use the VLOOKUP function to search for the key in the second workbook. Structure your VLOOKUP formula to reference the key column in the first sheet and the range of data in the second sheet.
- Copy the VLOOKUP formula down to other cells as needed to merge data for all corresponding records.
Remember to verify that the data type in the key column is consistent across both sheets for an accurate merge.
Learn more about Excel Merge