INDEX_MATCH vs HLOOKUP vs INDIRECT
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INDEX_MATCH vs HLOOKUP 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 types
    For all*
    • Lookup & Reference
      Excel functions for searching and referencing data across spreadsheets

  • Operation Type 🔧
    Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputs
    For all*
    • Retrieval
      Functions specialized in fetching data from various sources

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.
    HLOOKUP
    • Horizontal Data Lookup
      HLOOKUP is known for Horizontal Data Lookup.
    INDIRECT
    • Dynamic Cell References
      INDIRECT is known for Dynamic Cell References.

Facts Comparison

  • Interesting Fact 💡
    Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel function
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Used in 80% of advanced Excel formulas
    HLOOKUP
    • Often confused with VLOOKUP
    INDIRECT
    • Can create circular references easily

  • Sarcastic Fact 🤣
    Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel function
    INDEX_MATCH
    • The relationship status of Excel functions: It's complicated
    HLOOKUP
    • The forgotten sibling of VLOOKUP
    INDIRECT
    • The function that makes Excel question its life choices

Technical Details Comparison

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
    HLOOKUP
    • Flexible Horizontal Search
    • Good For Wide Datasets
    INDIRECT
    • Flexible Referencing
    • Dynamic Range Selection

  • Cons ❌
    Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel function
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Requires Two Functions
    • Steeper Learning Curve
    • Complex Syntax
    HLOOKUP
    • Limited To Horizontal Data
    • Less Common Than VLOOKUP
    INDIRECT
    • Performance Intensive
    • Complex Syntax

Ratings Comparison

Alternatives to INDEX_MATCH
VLOOKUP
Known for Vertical Data Search
📊 is easier to use than HLOOKUP
📈 is more versatile than HLOOKUP
⭐ is rated higher than HLOOKUP
MATCH
Known for Position Finding
📊 is easier to use than HLOOKUP
📈 is more versatile than HLOOKUP
🛠 is more reliable than HLOOKUP
⭐ is rated higher than HLOOKUP
LOOKUP
Known for Simple Vertical And Horizontal Lookups
SUMIFS
Known for Multiple Condition Sum
📊 is easier to use than HLOOKUP
📈 is more versatile than HLOOKUP
🛠 is more reliable than HLOOKUP
⭐ is rated higher than HLOOKUP
SUMIF
Known for Conditional Sum Calculations
📊 is easier to use than HLOOKUP
📈 is more versatile than HLOOKUP
🛠 is more reliable than HLOOKUP
⭐ is rated higher than HLOOKUP
COUNTIFS
Known for Multiple Criteria Counting
📊 is easier to use than HLOOKUP
📈 is more versatile than HLOOKUP
⚙ performs better than HLOOKUP
🛠 is more reliable than HLOOKUP
⭐ is rated higher than HLOOKUP
INDEX
Known for Advanced Data Retrieval
📈 is more versatile than HLOOKUP
⚙ performs better than HLOOKUP
🛠 is more reliable than HLOOKUP
⭐ is rated higher than HLOOKUP
DSUM
Known for Database Sum Operations
📈 is more versatile than HLOOKUP
⚙ performs better than HLOOKUP
🛠 is more reliable than HLOOKUP
⭐ is rated higher than HLOOKUP
COUNTIF
Known for Counting With Conditions
📊 is easier to use than HLOOKUP
📈 is more versatile than HLOOKUP
⚙ performs better than HLOOKUP
🛠 is more reliable than HLOOKUP
⭐ is rated higher than HLOOKUP
XLOOKUP
Known for Dynamic Array Support
📊 is easier to use than HLOOKUP
📈 is more versatile than HLOOKUP
⚙ performs better than HLOOKUP
🛠 is more reliable than HLOOKUP
⭐ is rated higher than HLOOKUP