INDEX_MATCH vs FILTER vs COUNTIFS
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INDEX_MATCH vs FILTER vs COUNTIFS

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 types
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Lookup & Reference
      INDEX_MATCH belongs to the Lookup & Reference category. Excel functions for searching and referencing data across spreadsheets
    FILTER
    COUNTIFS
    • Statistical
      COUNTIFS belongs to the Statistical category. Excel functions for statistical analysis and calculations

  • Operation Type 🔧
    Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputs
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Retrieval
      INDEX_MATCH performs Retrieval operations. Functions specialized in fetching data from various sources
    FILTER
    • Manipulation
      FILTER performs Manipulation operations. Functions that modify and transform data in different ways
    COUNTIFS
    • Calculation
      COUNTIFS performs Calculation operations. Excel functions for performing various calculations

Basic Information Comparison

  • Known For ⭐
    Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel function
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Two-Way Lookup Power
      INDEX_MATCH is known for Two-Way Lookup Power.
    FILTER
    • Advanced Filtering
      FILTER is known for Advanced Filtering.
    COUNTIFS
    • Multiple Criteria Counting
      COUNTIFS is known for Multiple Criteria Counting.

Facts Comparison

  • Interesting Fact 💡
    Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel function
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Used in 80% of advanced Excel formulas
    FILTER
    • Revolutionized Excel data filtering
    COUNTIFS
    • Enhanced version of COUNTIF

  • Sarcastic Fact 🤣
    Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel function
    INDEX_MATCH
    • The relationship status of Excel functions: It's complicated
    FILTER
    • The Marie Kondo of Excel functions
    COUNTIFS
    • The function that makes counting feel like detective work

Technical Details Comparison

  • Input Data Type 📝
    Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parameters
    For all*
    COUNTIFS
    • Number
      COUNTIFS accepts Number as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for numerical calculations

  • Version Compatibility 💻
    Indicates which Excel versions and platforms the function is compatible with < including Office 365< Excel 2019< 2016< etc.
    For all*
    • Excel 2019
      Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2019 version
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Excel 2016
      INDEX_MATCH is compatible with Excel 2016 Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2016 version
    • Excel 2013
      INDEX_MATCH is compatible with Excel 2013 Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2013 version
    • Microsoft 365
      INDEX_MATCH is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
    FILTER
    • Microsoft 365
      FILTER is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
    COUNTIFS
    • Excel 2016
      COUNTIFS is compatible with Excel 2016 Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2016 version
    • Excel 2013
      COUNTIFS is compatible with Excel 2013 Excel 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 platforms
    For all*
    • Windows
      Excel functions optimized for Windows operating system
    • MacOS
      Excel functions optimized for MacOS users
    • Web Excel
      Excel functions available in web-based versions
    FILTER
    • Excel Online
      FILTER runs on Excel Online Excel functions available in the online version of Excel

  • Required Arguments Count 🔢
    Number of mandatory arguments needed for the function to work properly
    INDEX_MATCH
    FILTER
    COUNTIFS

  • Required Arguments Type 📊
    The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the function
    For all*
    • Range
      Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Number
      INDEX_MATCH accepts Number as input types Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs
    • Array
      INDEX_MATCH accepts Array as input types Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
    FILTER
    • Array
      FILTER accepts Array as input types Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
    • Boolean
      FILTER accepts Boolean as input types Excel functions that work with true/false logical inputs for decision-making
    COUNTIFS
    • Text
      COUNTIFS accepts Text as input types Excel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing
    • Number
      COUNTIFS accepts Number as input types Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs

Evaluation Comparison

Ratings Comparison

Alternatives to INDEX_MATCH
UNIQUE
Known for Duplicate Removal
📊 is easier to use than FILTER
SORT
Known for Dynamic Sorting
📊 is easier to use than FILTER
XLOOKUP
Known for Dynamic Array Support
🔢 needs fewer arguments than FILTER
📊 is easier to use than FILTER
⭐ is rated higher than FILTER
TRANSPOSE
Known for Converting Row Data To Columns
📊 is easier to use than FILTER
SEQUENCE
Known for Dynamic Number Series
⚙ performs better than FILTER
COUNT
Known for Counting Numeric Cells
📊 is easier to use than FILTER
CONCAT
Known for Modern Text Joining
📊 is easier to use than FILTER
⚙ performs better than FILTER
INDEX
Known for Advanced Data Retrieval
🔢 needs fewer arguments than FILTER
SUM
Known for Basic Arithmetic Calculations
📊 is easier to use than FILTER
🛠 is more reliable than FILTER
⭐ is rated higher than FILTER
KURT
Known for Measuring Data Peakedness