INDEX_MATCH vs INDEX vs OFFSET
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INDEX_MATCH vs INDEX vs OFFSET

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.
    INDEX
    • Advanced Data Retrieval
      INDEX is known for Advanced Data Retrieval.
    OFFSET
    • Dynamic Range Manipulation
      OFFSET is known for Dynamic Range Manipulation.

Facts Comparison

  • Interesting Fact 💡
    Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel function
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Used in 80% of advanced Excel formulas
    INDEX
    • Often used with MATCH function
    OFFSET
    • Essential for dynamic charts

  • Sarcastic Fact 🤣
    Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel function
    INDEX_MATCH
    • The relationship status of Excel functions: It's complicated
    INDEX
    • The function that makes VLOOKUP feel simple
    OFFSET
    • The parkour artist of Excel functions

Usage Information Comparison

Technical Details Comparison

  • Input Data Type 📝
    Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parameters
    For all*
    • Range
      Excel functions that operate on cell ranges and data sets
    INDEX_MATCH
    INDEX

  • 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
    • Excel 2016
      Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2016 version
    • Excel 2013
      Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2013 version
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Microsoft 365
      INDEX_MATCH is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
    INDEX
    • Microsoft 365
      INDEX is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
    • Excel Online
      INDEX 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 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
    INDEX
    • Web Excel
      INDEX runs on Web Excel Excel functions available in web-based versions

  • Required Arguments Count 🔢
    Number of mandatory arguments needed for the function to work properly
    For all*

  • Required Arguments Type 📊
    The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the function
    For all*
    • Number
      Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Range
      INDEX_MATCH accepts Range as input types Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations
    • Array
      INDEX_MATCH accepts Array as input types Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
    INDEX
    • Array
      INDEX accepts Array as input types Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
    OFFSET
    • Range
      OFFSET 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
    INDEX_MATCH
    • More Flexible Than VLOOKUP
    • Can Search Both Ways
    • Better Performance
    • Column Independent
    INDEX
    • Powerful With MATCH
      Excel functions working with MATCH enable powerful lookup and reference capabilities
    • Flexible Lookup
      Excel functions with flexible lookup capabilities enable versatile data searching and matching
    • Very Flexible
    • Fast Performance
    • Powerful
      Powerful Excel functions offer advanced capabilities for complex calculations and data manipulation
    • Flexible
    OFFSET
    • Flexible Range Selection
      Functions that enable selecting dynamic ranges and cell references flexibly
    • Dynamic References
      Functions that can automatically adjust cell references based on changes

  • Cons ❌
    Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel function
    For all*
    • Complex Syntax
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Requires Two Functions
    • Steeper Learning Curve
    INDEX
    • Requires Understanding
    • Complex For Beginners
    • Requires Understanding Of Arrays
    • Learning Curve
    OFFSET
    • Volatile Calculation

Ratings Comparison

Alternatives to INDEX_MATCH
MATCH
Known for Position Finding
📊 is easier to use than INDEX
SUMIFS
Known for Multiple Condition Sum
📊 is easier to use than INDEX
VLOOKUP
Known for Vertical Data Search
🔢 needs fewer arguments than INDEX
📊 is easier to use 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
COUNTIFS
Known for Multiple Criteria Counting
📊 is easier to use than INDEX
⭐ is rated higher than INDEX
LOOKUP
Known for Simple Vertical And Horizontal Lookups
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
FORECAST
Known for Linear Trend Prediction
📊 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