INDEX_MATCH vs FILTER vs FREQUENCY
Compact mode

INDEX_MATCH vs FILTER vs FREQUENCY

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
    FREQUENCY
    • Statistical
      FREQUENCY 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
    FREQUENCY
    • Calculation
      FREQUENCY performs Calculation operations. Excel functions for performing various calculations

Usage Context Comparison

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.
    FREQUENCY
    • Distribution Analysis
      FREQUENCY is known for Distribution Analysis.

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
    FREQUENCY
    • Essential for histogram creation
  • 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
    FREQUENCY
    • The function statisticians dream about

Usage Information Comparison

Technical Details Comparison

  • Input Data Type 📝

    Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parameters
    For all*
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Range
      INDEX_MATCH accepts Range as input data. Excel functions that operate on cell ranges and data sets
    FILTER
    • Range
      FILTER accepts Range as input data. Excel functions that operate on cell ranges and data sets
  • 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
    FREQUENCY
    • Excel 2016
      FREQUENCY is compatible with Excel 2016 Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2016 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
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Web Excel
      INDEX_MATCH runs on 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
    • Web Excel
      FILTER runs on Web Excel Excel functions available in web-based versions
  • 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
    • Array
      Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Number
      INDEX_MATCH accepts Number as input types Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs
    FILTER
    • Boolean
      FILTER accepts Boolean as input types Excel functions that work with true/false logical inputs for decision-making

Evaluation Comparison

  • Pros

    Key advantages and strengths of the Excel function
    INDEX_MATCH
    • More Flexible Than VLOOKUP
    • Can Search Both Ways
    • Better Performance
    • Column Independent
    FILTER
    • Dynamic Filtering
      Functions that enable real-time filtering of data based on changing criteria
    • Multiple Criteria
    • Flexible Output
    • Returns Dynamic Arrays
    • Flexible Filtering
    FREQUENCY
    • Powerful Statistical Analysis
    • Array Output
  • Cons

    Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel function
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Requires Two Functions
    • Steeper Learning Curve
    • Complex Syntax
    FILTER
    FREQUENCY
    • Must Be Entered As Array Formula
    • Complex Usage

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
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
SEQUENCE
Known for Dynamic Number Series
performs better than FILTER
TRANSPOSE
Known for Converting Row Data To Columns
📊 is easier to use 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