DGET

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the DGET formula in Excel, which is a powerful function used to extract a single value from a database based on specified criteria. The DGET function is part of Excel’s database functions and is particularly useful when you need to retrieve a specific value from a large dataset. We will cover the syntax, examples, tips and tricks, common mistakes, troubleshooting, and related formulae for the DGET function.

DGET Syntax

The syntax for the DGET function in Excel is as follows:

=DGET(database, field, criteria)

Where:

• database is the range of cells that make up the database. The first row of the database should contain the column labels.
• field is the column label or index number of the column from which you want to retrieve the value. You can either use the column label enclosed in double quotes or the index number of the column (e.g., 1 for the first column, 2 for the second column, etc.).
• criteria is the range of cells containing the conditions that must be met for a record to be included in the result. The first row of the criteria range should contain the column labels, and the subsequent rows should contain the conditions.

DGET Examples

Let’s look at some examples of how to use the DGET function in Excel.

Example 1: Retrieving a value based on a single criterion

Suppose you have a database of employees with columns for Employee ID, Name, Department, and Salary. You want to find the salary of an employee with a specific Employee ID. You can use the DGET function as follows:

=DGET(A1:D100, “Salary”, G1:H2)

In this example, the database range is A1:D100, the field we want to retrieve is “Salary”, and the criteria range is G1:H2, where G1 contains the column label “Employee ID” and H2 contains the specific Employee ID you are looking for.

Example 2: Retrieving a value based on multiple criteria

Continuing with the employee database example, suppose you want to find the salary of an employee who works in a specific department and has a specific job title. You can use the DGET function with multiple criteria as follows:

=DGET(A1:D100, “Salary”, G1:I3)

In this example, the criteria range is G1:I3, where G1 and H1 contain the column labels “Department” and “Job Title”, respectively, and G2:H3 contain the specific department and job title you are looking for.

DGET Tips & Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the DGET function in Excel:

1. Ensure that the first row of your database and criteria ranges contain the correct column labels. The DGET function uses these labels to match the criteria with the corresponding columns in the database.
2. If your database has duplicate records that meet the specified criteria, the DGET function will return a #NUM! error. To avoid this, make sure your database has unique records or use other database functions like DSUM or DAVERAGE to handle multiple matching records.
3. When specifying the field argument, you can use either the column label or the index number of the column. However, using the column label is generally more intuitive and less prone to errors, especially when working with large databases.
4. Remember that the DGET function is case-insensitive when comparing text values. For example, “Marketing” and “marketing” will be considered as the same value.

Common Mistakes When Using DGET

Here are some common mistakes that users make when using the DGET function in Excel:

1. Not including the column labels in the first row of the database and criteria ranges. This can cause the DGET function to return incorrect results or errors.
2. Using the wrong column label or index number for the field argument. This can result in retrieving the wrong value from the database.
3. Not specifying the criteria range correctly, which can lead to the DGET function returning a #VALUE! error.

Why Isn’t My DGET Working?

If your DGET function is not working as expected, here are some possible reasons and solutions:

1. #NUM! error: This error occurs when there are multiple records in the database that meet the specified criteria. To resolve this issue, ensure that your database has unique records or use other database functions like DSUM or DAVERAGE to handle multiple matching records.
2. #VALUE! error: This error occurs when the criteria range is not specified correctly or the field argument is invalid. Check your criteria range and field argument to ensure they are correct.
3. Incorrect results: If the DGET function returns an incorrect value, double-check your database, field, and criteria ranges to ensure they are correct. Also, make sure the first row of your database and criteria ranges contain the correct column labels.

DGET: Related Formulae

Here are some related formulae that you might find useful when working with the DGET function in Excel:

1. DSUM: This function calculates the sum of selected database entries based on specified criteria. It can be used when you need to sum values from multiple records that meet the criteria.
2. DAVERAGE: This function calculates the average of selected database entries based on specified criteria. It can be used when you need to find the average value of multiple records that meet the criteria.
3. DMIN: This function returns the minimum value of selected database entries based on specified criteria. It can be used when you need to find the smallest value among records that meet the criteria.
4. DMAX: This function returns the maximum value of selected database entries based on specified criteria. It can be used when you need to find the largest value among records that meet the criteria.
5. DCOUNT: This function counts the number of non-blank cells in a database column that meet specified criteria. It can be used when you need to count the number of records that meet the criteria.

By understanding the DGET function and its related formulae, you can effectively retrieve specific values from large datasets in Excel. With practice, you’ll be able to use the DGET function and its related functions to analyze and manipulate your data with ease.