IF vs XLOOKUP vs LOOKUP
Compact mode

IF vs XLOOKUP vs LOOKUP

Table of content

Basic Classification Comparison

Basic Information Comparison

  • Known For ⭐
    Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel function
    IF
    • Conditional Statements
      IF is known for Conditional Statements.
    XLOOKUP
    • Dynamic Array Support
      XLOOKUP is known for Dynamic Array Support.
    LOOKUP
    • Simple Vertical And Horizontal Lookups
      LOOKUP is known for Simple Vertical And Horizontal Lookups.

Facts Comparison

  • Interesting Fact 💡
    Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel function
    IF
    • Most nested function
    XLOOKUP
    • First major update to lookup functions in 20 years
    LOOKUP
    • Predecessor to VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP

  • Sarcastic Fact 🤣
    Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel function
    IF
    • Making simple decisions complicated
    XLOOKUP
    • Makes VLOOKUP feel like using a flip phone in 2024
    LOOKUP
    • Still exists because Excel is afraid of commitment issues

Technical Details Comparison

  • Input Data Type 📝
    Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parameters
    IF
    • Boolean
      IF accepts Boolean as input data. Excel functions that work with TRUE/FALSE logical values
    XLOOKUP
    LOOKUP

  • 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
    IF
    • Excel 2016
      IF is compatible with Excel 2016 Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2016 version
    • Excel 2013
      IF is compatible with Excel 2013 Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2013 version
    • Microsoft 365
      IF is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
    • Excel Online
      IF is compatible with Excel Online Excel functions optimized for use in the web-based Excel Online platform
    XLOOKUP
    • Microsoft 365
      XLOOKUP is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
    LOOKUP
    • Excel 2016
      LOOKUP is compatible with Excel 2016 Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2016 version
    • Excel 2013
      LOOKUP 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
    XLOOKUP
    • Excel Online
      XLOOKUP 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
    IF
    XLOOKUP
    LOOKUP

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

Evaluation Comparison

  • Pros ✅
    Key advantages and strengths of the Excel function
    IF
    • Simple Logic Implementation
    • Versatile
    • Flexible
    • Easy To Understand
      Functions with clear and intuitive syntax that are simple to learn
    XLOOKUP
    • Dynamic Array Support
      Functions that support dynamic array operations and spilling
    • Handles Errors Gracefully
    • Bi-Directional Lookup
    LOOKUP
    • Simple To Understand
    • Works With Sorted Data

  • Cons ❌
    Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel function
    IF
    XLOOKUP
    • Complex Syntax For Beginners
    • Limited Backward Compatibility
    • Not Available In Older Versions
    • Complex For Beginners
    LOOKUP
    • Limited To One-Way Lookups
    • Requires Sorted Data

Ratings Comparison

Alternatives to IF
LEFT
Known for Text Extraction
📊 is easier to use than IF
SUM
Known for Basic Arithmetic Calculations
📊 is easier to use than IF
🛠 is more reliable than IF
⭐ is rated higher than IF
FIND
Known for Text Search And Position Finding
OR
Known for Any Condition Check
📊 is easier to use than IF
⚙ performs better than IF
🛠 is more reliable than IF
AVERAGEIF
Known for Conditional Average Calculations
COUNT
Known for Counting Numeric Cells
📊 is easier to use than IF
SUBSTITUTE
Known for Replace Specific Text
MID
Known for Extracting Text Segments
AND
Known for Multiple Condition Check
📊 is easier to use than IF
⚙ performs better than IF
🛠 is more reliable than IF
VLOOKUP
Known for Vertical Data Search
🔢 needs fewer arguments than IF