Compact mode
COUNTIFS vs LOOKUP vs INDIRECT
Table of content
Basic Classification Comparison
Function Category 📊
Primary classification of the Excel function based on its main purpose and usage domain, helps users quickly identify function typesCOUNTIFS- StatisticalCOUNTIFS belongs to the Statistical category. Excel functions for statistical analysis and calculations
LOOKUPINDIRECTOperation Type 🔧
Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputsCOUNTIFS- CalculationCOUNTIFS performs Calculation operations. Excel functions for performing various calculations
LOOKUP- RetrievalLOOKUP performs Retrieval operations. Functions specialized in fetching data from various sources
INDIRECT- RetrievalINDIRECT performs Retrieval operations. Functions specialized in fetching data from various sources
Usage Context Comparison
For whom 👥
Target user groups who would benefit most from using this Excel functionFor all*COUNTIFS- Business ManagersCOUNTIFS is designed for Business Managers. Excel functions helpful for business management and decision making Click to see all.
- AnalystsCOUNTIFS is designed for Analysts. Excel functions essential for data analysis and reporting Click to see all.
LOOKUPINDIRECT
Basic Information Comparison
Known For ⭐
Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel functionCOUNTIFS- Multiple Criteria CountingCOUNTIFS is known for Multiple Criteria Counting.
LOOKUP- Simple Vertical And Horizontal LookupsLOOKUP is known for Simple Vertical And Horizontal Lookups.
INDIRECT- Dynamic Cell ReferencesINDIRECT is known for Dynamic Cell References.
History Comparison
Facts Comparison
Interesting Fact 💡
Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel functionCOUNTIFS- Enhanced version of COUNTIF
LOOKUP- Predecessor to VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP
INDIRECT- Can create circular references easily
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionCOUNTIFS- The function that makes counting feel like detective work
LOOKUP- Still exists because Excel is afraid of commitment issues
INDIRECT- The function that makes Excel question its life choices
Usage Information Comparison
Formula Complexity Level 📖
Indicates the difficulty level and complexity of using the Excel function effectivelyCOUNTIFSLOOKUPINDIRECT
Technical Details Comparison
Input Data Type 📝
Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parametersCOUNTIFS- ArrayCOUNTIFS accepts Array as input data. Excel functions designed to work with arrays and ranges of data Click to see all.
- RangeCOUNTIFS accepts Range as input data. Excel functions that operate on cell ranges and data sets
- NumberCOUNTIFS accepts Number as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for numerical calculations
LOOKUP- NumberLOOKUP accepts Number as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for numerical calculations
- TextLOOKUP accepts Text as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for text manipulation Click to see all.
- ArrayLOOKUP accepts Array as input data. Excel functions designed to work with arrays and ranges of data Click to see all.
INDIRECTVersion Compatibility 💻
Indicates which Excel versions and platforms the function is compatible with < including Office 365< Excel 2019< 2016< etc.For all*- Excel 2019Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2019 version
- Excel 2016Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2016 version
- Excel 2013Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2013 version
Operating System 💾
Specifies the operating systems where the function can be used < including Windows< macOS< and web platformsFor all*- WindowsExcel functions optimized for Windows operating system
- MacOSExcel functions optimized for MacOS users
COUNTIFS- Web ExcelCOUNTIFS runs on Web Excel Excel functions available in web-based versions
LOOKUP- Web ExcelLOOKUP runs on Web Excel Excel functions available in web-based versions
Required Arguments Count 🔢
Number of mandatory arguments needed for the function to work properlyCOUNTIFSLOOKUPINDIRECTRequired Arguments Type 📊
The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the functionCOUNTIFS- RangeCOUNTIFS accepts Range as input types Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations
- TextCOUNTIFS accepts Text as input types Excel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing
- NumberCOUNTIFS accepts Number as input types Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs
LOOKUP- ArrayLOOKUP accepts Array as input types Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
- RangeLOOKUP accepts Range as input types Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations
INDIRECT- TextINDIRECT accepts Text as input types Excel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing
Evaluation Comparison
Pros ✅
Key advantages and strengths of the Excel functionCOUNTIFS- Flexible Criteria Options
- Multiple Conditions
- Easy To Use
- Handles Multiple Criteria
- Flexible
LOOKUP- Simple To Understand
- Works With Sorted Data
INDIRECT- Flexible Referencing
- Dynamic Range Selection
Cons ❌
Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel functionCOUNTIFS- Complex Syntax For Multiple Criteria
- Performance Issues With Large Datasets
- Limited To Equal Conditions Only
- Case SensitiveFunctions where text matching is affected by letter case can cause unexpected results Click to see all.
LOOKUP- Limited To One-Way Lookups
- Requires Sorted Data
INDIRECT- Performance Intensive
- Complex Syntax
Ratings Comparison
Versatility Score 📈
Rating for function's adaptability to different scenariosCOUNTIFSLOOKUPINDIRECT
Alternatives to COUNTIFS
SUMIFS
Known for Multiple Condition Sum
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COUNTIFS
SUMIF
Known for Conditional Sum Calculations
📊
is easier to use than COUNTIFS
AVERAGEIF
Known for Conditional Average Calculations
📊
is easier to use than COUNTIFS
⚙
performs better than COUNTIFS
🛠
is more reliable than COUNTIFS
SMALL
Known for Finding Nth Smallest Value
📊
is easier to use than COUNTIFS
MAXIFS
Known for Multiple Criteria Max
🔢
needs fewer arguments than COUNTIFS
COUNT
Known for Counting Numeric Cells
📊
is easier to use than COUNTIFS
⚙
performs better than COUNTIFS
🛠
is more reliable than COUNTIFS
⭐
is rated higher than COUNTIFS
LARGE
Known for Finding Nth Largest Value
📊
is easier to use than COUNTIFS
COUNTA
Known for Count Non-Empty Cells
📊
is easier to use than COUNTIFS
⚙
performs better than COUNTIFS
🛠
is more reliable than COUNTIFS
⭐
is rated higher than COUNTIFS