How do I use DGET Function in Excel to extract an employee's salary using their unique employee id?

To extract an employee's salary using their unique employee id, use the formula: =DGET(A1:D10, "Salary", F1:F2). Basic Employee Salary Lookup This formula returns: $72,000.

How can I optimize DGET Function in Excel performance?

To optimize DGET Function in Excel: 1) Use specific ranges instead of entire columns, 2) Avoid volatile functions within DGET Function in Excel, 3) Consider array formulas for bulk operations, 4) Cache results when possible. AskFormulas automatically applies optimization best practices.

What is the syntax for DGET Function in Excel?

The DGET Function in Excel syntax in Excel is: =DGET(database, field, criteria). It takes 3 parameter(s): database (required), field (required), criteria (required).

How do I use DGET Function in Excel to retrieve product price using sku and category validation?

To retrieve product price using sku and category validation, use the formula: =DGET(A1:E50, "Price", G1:H2). Product Information Retrieval with Multiple Criteria This formula returns: $79.99.

Can DGET Function in Excel handle headers in Excel?

Yes, DGET Function in Excel can handle headers. For example: =DGET(A1:D10, "Salary", F1:F2) will extract an employee's salary using their unique employee id. This returns: $72,000

DGET Function in Excel

The DGET function extracts a single value from a database table that matches specific criteria. Master DGET for precise data retrieval in Excel.

Excel

Google Sheets

database

intermediate

Syntax Preview

Excel

Google Sheets

=DGET(database, field, criteria)

Quick Answer

TL;DR

DGET function DGET function extracts a single value from a database table based on specified criteria. Syntax: `=DGET(database, field, criteria)`. It returns the value from a specified field where exactly one record matches your conditions. DGET excels at retrieving employee salaries, product prices, or customer details from structured data. Returns #NUM! error if zero or multiple records match your criteria.

=DGET(database, field, criteria)

What is the DGET Function?

Syntax and Parameters Explained

## What is the DGET Function?

The DGET function is part of Excel's database function family (D-functions), designed specifically for structured data with column headers. It extracts exactly one value that matches your criteria, making it ideal for precision data retrieval.

### Core Functionality

DGET operates on database-style tables where:
- The first row contains unique column headers
- Each subsequent row represents a complete record
- Data is organized in a structured format

The function searches through the database to find records matching your criteria. If exactly one record matches, DGET returns the value from your specified field. If zero or multiple records match, it returns a #NUM! error, providing built-in validation that your criteria identifies a unique record.

### When to Use DGET

DGET is the perfect choice for:

1. **Retrieving unique employee records by ID** - Extract salary, department, or contact information using employee identifiers
2. **Finding specific product information from inventory** - Look up prices, stock levels, or descriptions using SKUs
3. **Extracting customer details based on account number** - Retrieve email addresses, phone numbers, or order history
4. **Looking up project data with unique identifiers** - Get project status, budgets, or deadlines
5. **Retrieving configuration values from settings tables** - Extract application settings or user preferences

### Key Advantages Over Alternatives

**Multiple Criteria Support:** Unlike VLOOKUP, DGET naturally supports complex conditions with multiple criteria columns, enabling sophisticated filtering without nested formulas.

**Left-Side Lookup Capability:** DGET isn't restricted by column order like VLOOKUP. You can extract values from any column regardless of where your lookup key is positioned.

**Error Detection:** DGET explicitly flags non-unique matches with #NUM! errors, preventing silent errors when multiple records match your criteria.

**Database-Oriented Design:** Better suited for structured data than INDEX/MATCH, with built-in understanding of database table formats.

### Platform Compatibility

**Excel:** Fully supported across Excel 365, Excel 2021, Excel 2019, Excel 2016, and Excel 2013. The function has been available since early Excel versions with consistent behavior.

**Google Sheets:** Complete compatibility with identical syntax and behavior, making formulas portable between platforms.

**Limitations:** DGET requires structured data format with headers in the first row. It cannot handle unstructured data or tables without clear column headers.

## Syntax and Parameters Explained

### Database Parameter

The **database** parameter specifies the complete range including headers and all data rows. This range must follow specific requirements:

- **Must include column headers in first row** - Headers identify each column and must be unique text labels
- **Headers must be unique** - Duplicate column names cause ambiguity
- **Data rows follow immediately** - No blank rows between header and data
- **Can reference entire columns or specific ranges** - Use A:D for entire columns or A1:D100 for specific ranges

**Examples:**
- `A1:E50` - Specific range with headers in row 1
- `Employees!A:F` - Entire columns from named sheet
- `Table1[#All]` - Structured table reference including headers

### Field Parameter

The **field** parameter specifies which column to extract the value from. You have two options:

**Text Label Format:** Use the column header name enclosed in quotes:
- `"Salary"` - Extract from the Salary column
- `"Product Name"` - Extract from Product Name column
- Case-sensitive matching applies

**Column Number Format:** Use the numeric position within the database range:
- `3` - Extract from third column in database range
- `1` - Extract from first column
- Counting starts at 1, not 0

**Best Practices:**
- Use column headers in quotes for clarity and self-documenting formulas
- Use numbers when column names might change during development
- Avoid spaces in header names for consistency across formulas

### Criteria Parameter

The **criteria** parameter defines conditions to match exactly one record. This is the most flexible and powerful part of DGET:

**Structure Requirements:**
- Minimum 2 rows: header row + condition row
- Header must match database column name exactly (case-sensitive)
- Can use multiple columns for AND conditions
- Each additional criteria column adds an AND condition

**Supported Operators:**
- Exact match: `"Sales"` or `1001`
- Greater than: `" 100000"`
- Less than: `" 50"`
- Greater/equal: `" =100"`
- Less/equal: `" =1000"`
- Not equal: `"  0"`
- Wildcards: `"Product*"` (matches Product A, Product B, etc.)
- Question mark: `"???-001"` (matches three chars followed by -001)

**Examples:**
- `G1:G2` where G1='EmployeeID' and G2=1001 (single criterion)
- `G1:H2` for multiple criteria with AND logic
- Comparison operators work in criteria cells for numeric filtering

Practical Examples

Common Errors and Solutions

#NUM!

DGET returns #NUM! error

Cause:

This error occurs when DGET finds zero matching records OR more than one matching record. The function requires exactly one unique match. This is DGET's built-in validation mechanism ensuring data integrity.

Solution:

**Step 1:** Verify your criteria identifies exactly one record by reviewing the conditions. **Step 2:** Check if criteria headers match database headers exactly - matching is case-sensitive, so 'EmployeeID' differs from 'employeeid'. **Step 3:** Add additional criteria columns to narrow results to a single match. For example, if searching by Name returns multiple people, add Department or ID criteria. **Step 4:** Use DCOUNT(database, field, criteria) to verify match count before using DGET. A count of 1 confirms uniqueness. **Step 5:** Ensure no duplicate records exist in your database. Check for data entry errors or repeated imports. **Example Prevention:** ``` =IF(DCOUNT(A1:D10,"ID",F1:F2)=1, DGET(A1:D10,"Name",F1:F2), "Not unique") ```

Prevention:

Always design criteria to target unique identifiers like IDs, SKUs, or account numbers. Test with DCOUNT first to confirm exactly one match exists. In database design, ensure primary keys are truly unique.

#VALUE!

DGET returns #VALUE! error

Cause:

Occurs when the field parameter doesn't match any column header in the database, or when the criteria range is improperly formatted. This indicates a mismatch between your formula parameters and the actual database structure.

Solution:

**Step 1:** Verify the field name matches a database header exactly. Check for spelling errors, extra spaces, or case differences. **Step 2:** Ensure field is enclosed in quotes if using text: "Salary" not Salary (without quotes). **Step 3:** Check column number is within database range if using numeric field reference. If database has 5 columns, field cannot be 6. **Step 4:** Verify criteria range structure has headers in first row followed by condition values in subsequent rows. **Step 5:** Remove any merged cells in the criteria range as they cause structural issues. **Example Fix:** ``` Instead of: =DGET(A1:D10, Salary, F1:F2) Use: =DGET(A1:D10, "Salary", F1:F2) ```

Prevention:

Use cell references for field names to avoid typos: =DGET(A1:D10, E1, F1:F2) where E1 contains "Salary". Validate criteria range structure has proper header-value pairs. Create named ranges for frequently used fields.

#NAME?

DGET shows #NAME? error

Cause:

Excel doesn't recognize DGET as a valid function name. This typically indicates a typo in the function name, though it could also suggest Excel version incompatibility or regional function naming issues.

Solution:

**Step 1:** Check spelling carefully: DGET (not DGET, D-GET, D_GET, or DGETT). **Step 2:** Verify your Excel version supports database functions. DGET is available in Excel 2007 and later. **Step 3:** Check if you're using regional function names. Some localized Excel versions use different function names. **Step 4:** Ensure no hidden characters or extra spaces in the function name. **Step 5:** Try using Excel's function wizard (fx button) to insert DGET, which ensures correct spelling.

Prevention:

Use Excel's formula IntelliSense by typing =DG and selecting DGET from the autocomplete dropdown. This prevents spelling errors. Update to a supported Excel version if necessary. For Google Sheets users, verify DGET spelling as it's identical to Excel.

#REF!

DGET displays #REF! error

Cause:

Referenced ranges have been deleted or moved, or the criteria/database ranges contain invalid references. This occurs after worksheet modifications that affect the formula's range references.

Solution:

**Step 1:** Check if rows or columns in the database or criteria ranges were recently deleted. Use Undo (Ctrl+Z) to restore if possible. **Step 2:** Update database range to reflect current data location. Click the formula cell and edit range references in the formula bar. **Step 3:** Fix criteria range references if they point to deleted cells. **Step 4:** Use structured references (Excel Tables) which automatically adjust when data moves: =DGET(Table1[#All], "Price", CriteriaRange). **Step 5:** Rebuild the formula with current valid ranges if restoration isn't possible.

Prevention:

Convert your database to an Excel Table (Ctrl+T) for automatic reference updates. Use named ranges for criteria areas. Avoid deleting rows/columns within database ranges - use filtering to hide unwanted data instead. Document database structure before making structural changes.

Example:

Best Practices and Pro Tips

Always Use Unique Identifiers in Criteria

Design your criteria to target unique keys like employee IDs, SKUs, product codes, or account numbers rather than names or descriptions. This prevents #NUM! errors from multiple matches and ensures reliable data extraction. Names can have duplicates, but properly designed IDs guarantee uniqueness.

Validate Match Count Before Extraction

Use DCOUNT to verify exactly one match exists before running DGET. This prevents errors and provides better user feedback in complex scenarios: =IF(DCOUNT(A1:D10,1,F1:F2)=1, DGET(A1:D10,"Name",F1:F2), "Error: Check criteria"). This pattern is especially valuable when criteria complexity might result in zero or multiple matches.

Use Named Ranges for Maintainability

Define named ranges for database and criteria areas to make formulas more readable and easier to update when data structures change. For example, define 'EmployeeDatabase' for A1:E100 and 'LookupCriteria' for G1:H2, then use =DGET(EmployeeDatabase, "Salary", LookupCriteria). This improves formula clarity and reduces errors when updating ranges.

DGET is Case-Sensitive for Text Criteria

Text matching in criteria is case-sensitive. 'Sales' and 'sales' are treated as different values, which can cause unexpected #NUM! errors when no match is found. If you need case-insensitive matching, add a helper column using =LOWER(A2) or =UPPER(A2), then apply DGET with lowercase or uppercase criteria.

Combine Multiple DGET for Related Data

Extract multiple fields from the same record by using several DGET formulas with identical criteria. This ensures data consistency across extractions: Name: =DGET(DB,"Name",Crit) Salary: =DGET(DB,"Salary",Crit) Dept: =DGET(DB,"Department",Crit) All extractions use the same matching logic, guaranteeing the data comes from the same record.

Wrap Production Formulas in IFERROR

Always use IFERROR wrapper for production spreadsheets to handle unexpected errors gracefully: =IFERROR(DGET(A1:D10,"Email",F1:F2), "Record not found or not unique"). This prevents confusing error codes for end users and provides clear, actionable feedback. Consider different error messages for different scenarios to guide users effectively.

Convert Database to Excel Tables

Use Excel Tables (Ctrl+T) for your database range to enable automatic expansion when new rows are added. Table references like =DGET(Table1[#All], "Price", Criteria) automatically adjust, eliminating manual range updates. Tables also provide structured references that are more readable and maintain integrity when columns are inserted or deleted.

Use Comparison Operators for Numeric Filtering

Leverage comparison operators in criteria cells for sophisticated filtering: >100, <50, >=1000, <=500, <>0. Enter these directly in criteria cells below the header. This enables queries like 'find the employee in Sales department with salary >$80,000' by combining exact match (Sales) with numeric comparison (>80000).

DGET vs Alternative Functions

Related Database Functions

## Related Database Functions

DGET is part of Excel's comprehensive database function family, all sharing the same database and criteria parameter structure:

### DCOUNT - Count Matching Records

**Relationship:** Counts records matching criteria - use before DGET to verify uniqueness.

**Use Case:** Validate that exactly one record matches before extraction. Formula: =IF(DCOUNT(A1:D10,1,F1:F2)=1, DGET(A1:D10,"Name",F1:F2), "Not unique") ensures DGET will succeed.

**Complementary Usage:** Always pair DCOUNT with DGET in user-facing formulas to prevent #NUM! errors and provide better feedback.

### DSUM - Sum Values from Matching Records

**Relationship:** Sums values instead of extracting single value.

**Use Case:** Aggregate financial data matching criteria. While DGET retrieves one transaction amount, DSUM totals all matching transactions.

**When to Switch:** Use DSUM when your criteria matches multiple records and you want the total. Use DGET when you need a specific single value.

### DAVERAGE - Average of Matching Records

**Relationship:** Calculates average for matching records.

**Use Case:** Get average salary by department, average sales by region, or mean performance metrics. While DGET extracts one employee's salary, DAVERAGE gives department average.

**Complementary Usage:** Combine with DGET to show individual vs. average comparisons.

### DMAX - Maximum Value in Matching Records

**Relationship:** Finds maximum value among matching records.

**Use Case:** Identify highest price in a category, latest date for a customer, or maximum score in a group. DMAX finds the largest value while DGET retrieves a specific value.

**Decision Point:** Use DMAX when you want the highest value meeting criteria; use DGET when you know which specific record to extract.

### DMIN - Minimum Value in Matching Records

**Relationship:** Finds minimum value among matching records.

**Use Case:** Locate lowest cost option, earliest date, or minimum threshold value. Useful for finding best prices or initial transactions.

**Comparison:** DMIN returns the smallest value from potentially many matches; DGET returns the value from exactly one match.

### Database Function Integration

All D-functions use identical database and criteria structures, making it easy to switch between them. Learn one, and you understand the entire family. They're particularly powerful when combined:

```
Count: =DCOUNT(Database, "Sales", Criteria)
Total: =DSUM(Database, "Sales", Criteria)
Average: =DAVERAGE(Database, "Sales", Criteria)
Highest: =DMAX(Database, "Sales", Criteria)
Lowest: =DMIN(Database, "Sales", Criteria)
Specific: =DGET(Database, "Sales", Criteria)
```