INDEX vs SUMIFS vs FORECAST
Compact mode

INDEX vs SUMIFS vs FORECAST

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
    INDEX
    • Lookup & Reference
      INDEX belongs to the Lookup & Reference category. Excel functions for searching and referencing data across spreadsheets
    SUMIFS
    FORECAST
    • Statistical
      FORECAST 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
    • Retrieval
      INDEX performs Retrieval operations. Functions specialized in fetching data from various sources
    SUMIFS
    • Calculation
      SUMIFS performs Calculation operations. Excel functions for performing various calculations
    FORECAST
    • Calculation
      FORECAST performs Calculation operations. Excel functions for performing various calculations

Basic Information Comparison

  • Known For ⭐
    Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel function
    INDEX
    • Advanced Data Retrieval
      INDEX is known for Advanced Data Retrieval.
    SUMIFS
    • Multiple Condition Sum
      SUMIFS is known for Multiple Condition Sum.
    FORECAST
    • Linear Trend Prediction
      FORECAST is known for Linear Trend Prediction.

Facts Comparison

  • Interesting Fact 💡
    Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel function
    INDEX
    • Often used with MATCH function
    SUMIFS
    • Enhanced version of SUMIF
    FORECAST
    • Based on least squares regression method

  • Sarcastic Fact 🤣
    Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel function
    INDEX
    • The function that makes VLOOKUP feel simple
    SUMIFS
    • When one condition isn't complicated enough
    FORECAST
    • The crystal ball of Excel functions

Technical Details Comparison

  • Input Data Type 📝
    Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parameters
    INDEX
    SUMIFS
    FORECAST
    • Number
      FORECAST accepts Number as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for numerical calculations

  • 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
    • 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
    SUMIFS
    • Microsoft 365
      SUMIFS is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
    • Excel Online
      SUMIFS is compatible with Excel Online Excel functions optimized for use in the web-based Excel Online platform
    • Excel 2007
      SUMIFS is compatible with Excel 2007 Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2007 version
    • Excel 2010
      SUMIFS is compatible with Excel 2010 Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2010 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

  • 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*
    • Array
      Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
    • Number
      Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs
    SUMIFS
    • Range
      SUMIFS 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
    • 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
    SUMIFS
    • Multiple Conditions
    • Accurate Calculations
    • Flexible For Multiple Criteria
    • Handles Large Datasets
      Functions optimized for processing and analyzing large amounts of data efficiently
    • Easy To Understand
      Functions with clear and intuitive syntax that are simple to learn
    • Multiple Conditions Support
      Excel functions handling multiple conditions enable complex logical operations and flexible data filtering
    • Accurate Results
      Functions that provide precise and reliable computational results
    • Flexible
    • Versatile Conditional Summing
      Excel functions that can perform flexible conditional sum calculations based on multiple criteria
    • Supports Multiple Criteria
    • Powerful For Multiple Criteria
    • Flexible Conditions
    FORECAST
    • Statistical Accuracy
      Excel functions with high statistical accuracy ensure precise mathematical and analytical results
    • Trend Analysis
    • Professional
    • Scientific Prediction
    • Based On Historical Data
      Functions that analyze and process historical time-series data

  • Cons ❌
    Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel function
    INDEX
    • Complex Syntax
    • Requires Understanding
    • Complex For Beginners
    • Requires Understanding Of Arrays
    • Learning Curve
    SUMIFS
    FORECAST
    • Assumes Linear Relationship
    • Complex Setup
    • Sensitive To Outliers

Ratings Comparison

Alternatives to 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
MATCH
Known for Position Finding
📊 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
OFFSET
Known for Dynamic Range Manipulation
VLOOKUP
Known for Vertical Data Search
🔢 needs fewer arguments than INDEX
📊 is easier to use 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
HLOOKUP
Known for Horizontal Data Lookup
🔢 needs fewer arguments than INDEX
COUNTIF
Known for Counting With Conditions
📊 is easier to use than INDEX