Compact mode
INDEX vs VLOOKUP vs LOOKUP
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 typesFor all*- Lookup & ReferenceExcel functions for searching and referencing data across spreadsheets
Operation Type 🔧
Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputsFor all*- RetrievalFunctions 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*INDEXVLOOKUP- Business ManagersVLOOKUP is designed for Business Managers. Excel functions helpful for business management and decision making Click to see all.
- Administrative StaffVLOOKUP is designed for Administrative Staff. Excel functions useful for administrative tasks and data management Click to see all.
LOOKUP
Basic Information Comparison
Known For ⭐
Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel functionINDEX- Advanced Data RetrievalINDEX is known for Advanced Data Retrieval.
VLOOKUP- Vertical Data SearchVLOOKUP is known for Vertical Data Search.
LOOKUP- Simple Vertical And Horizontal LookupsLOOKUP is known for Simple Vertical And Horizontal Lookups.
History Comparison
Facts Comparison
Interesting Fact 💡
Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel functionINDEX- Often used with MATCH function
VLOOKUP- Often confused with HLOOKUP
LOOKUP- Predecessor to VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionINDEX- The function that makes VLOOKUP feel simple
VLOOKUP- The function everyone pretends to understand
LOOKUP- Still exists because Excel is afraid of commitment issues
Usage Information Comparison
Formula Complexity Level 📖
Indicates the difficulty level and complexity of using the Excel function effectivelyINDEXVLOOKUPLOOKUP
Technical Details Comparison
Input Data Type 📝
Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parametersINDEX- ArrayINDEX accepts Array as input data. Excel functions designed to work with arrays and ranges of data Click to see all.
- RangeINDEX accepts Range as input data. Excel functions that operate on cell ranges and data sets
VLOOKUP- TextVLOOKUP accepts Text as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for text manipulation Click to see all.
- NumberVLOOKUP 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.
Version 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
INDEX- Microsoft 365INDEX is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
- Excel OnlineINDEX is compatible with Excel Online Excel functions optimized for use in the web-based Excel Online platform
VLOOKUP- Microsoft 365VLOOKUP is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
- Excel OnlineVLOOKUP is compatible with Excel Online Excel functions optimized for use in the web-based Excel Online platform
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
- Web ExcelExcel functions available in web-based versions
Required Arguments Count 🔢
Number of mandatory arguments needed for the function to work properlyINDEXVLOOKUPLOOKUPRequired Arguments Type 📊
The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the functionINDEX- ArrayINDEX accepts Array as input types Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
- NumberINDEX accepts Number as input types Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs
VLOOKUP- RangeVLOOKUP accepts Range as input types Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations
- TextVLOOKUP accepts Text as input types Excel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing
- NumberVLOOKUP accepts Number as input types Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs
- BooleanVLOOKUP accepts Boolean as input types Excel functions that work with true/false logical inputs for decision-making
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
Evaluation Comparison
Pros ✅
Key advantages and strengths of the Excel functionINDEX- Powerful With MATCHExcel functions working with MATCH enable powerful lookup and reference capabilities
- Flexible LookupExcel functions with flexible lookup capabilities enable versatile data searching and matching
- Very Flexible
- Fast Performance
- PowerfulPowerful Excel functions offer advanced capabilities for complex calculations and data manipulation
- Flexible
VLOOKUP- Powerful Search Capability
- Flexible Matching
- Powerful Search
- Common In Business
LOOKUP- Simple To Understand
- Works With Sorted Data
Cons ❌
Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel functionINDEX- Complex Syntax
- Requires Understanding
- Complex For Beginners
- Requires Understanding Of Arrays
- Learning Curve
VLOOKUP- Left To Right Only
- Can Be Slow With Large DatasetsFunctions that process large amounts of data may significantly impact spreadsheet performance Click to see all.
- Right-Only SearchFunctions that can only search from right to left in text Click to see all.
- Can Be Slow
LOOKUP- Limited To One-Way Lookups
- Requires Sorted Data
Ratings Comparison
Alternatives to INDEX
SUMIFS
Known for Multiple Condition Sum
📊
is easier to use than INDEX
MATCH
Known for Position Finding
📊
is easier to use than INDEX
INDEX_MATCH
Known for Two-Way Lookup Power
📊
is easier to use than INDEX
📈
is more versatile than INDEX
⚙
performs better than INDEX
🛠
is more reliable than INDEX
⭐
is rated higher than INDEX
COUNTIFS
Known for Multiple Criteria Counting
📊
is easier to use than INDEX
⭐
is rated higher than INDEX
XLOOKUP
Known for Dynamic Array Support
📊
is easier to use than INDEX
⚙
performs better than INDEX
🛠
is more reliable than INDEX
⭐
is rated higher than INDEX
IF
Known for Conditional Statements
📊
is easier to use than INDEX
⚙
performs better than INDEX
🛠
is more reliable than INDEX
⭐
is rated higher than INDEX
COUNTIF
Known for Counting With Conditions
📊
is easier to use than INDEX
PMT
Known for Calculate Loan Payments
📊
is easier to use than INDEX
⚙
performs better than INDEX
🛠
is more reliable than INDEX
⭐
is rated higher than INDEX
MAXIFS
Known for Multiple Criteria Max
📊
is easier to use than INDEX