Compact mode
XLOOKUP vs INDEX_MATCH vs COUNTIFS
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 typesXLOOKUP- Lookup & ReferenceXLOOKUP belongs to the Lookup & Reference category. Excel functions for searching and referencing data across spreadsheets
INDEX_MATCH- Lookup & ReferenceINDEX_MATCH belongs to the Lookup & Reference category. Excel functions for searching and referencing data across spreadsheets
COUNTIFS- StatisticalCOUNTIFS 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 inputsXLOOKUP- RetrievalXLOOKUP performs Retrieval operations. Functions specialized in fetching data from various sources
INDEX_MATCH- RetrievalINDEX_MATCH performs Retrieval operations. Functions specialized in fetching data from various sources
COUNTIFS- CalculationCOUNTIFS performs Calculation operations. Excel functions for performing various calculations
Usage Context Comparison
For whom 👥
Target user groups who would benefit most from using this Excel functionFor all*- Data AnalystsExcel functions specifically designed for data analysis and interpretation
- Business ManagersExcel functions helpful for business management and decision making
COUNTIFSPurpose 📝
Primary purposes and use cases of the Excel functionXLOOKUPINDEX_MATCH- Data LookupINDEX_MATCH is used for Data Lookup. Functions for finding and retrieving specific data Click to see all.
- Data AnalysisINDEX_MATCH is used for Data Analysis. Functions specifically designed for analyzing data Click to see all.
COUNTIFS
Basic Information Comparison
Known For ⭐
Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel functionXLOOKUP- Dynamic Array SupportXLOOKUP is known for Dynamic Array Support.
INDEX_MATCH- Two-Way Lookup PowerINDEX_MATCH is known for Two-Way Lookup Power.
COUNTIFS- Multiple Criteria CountingCOUNTIFS is known for Multiple Criteria Counting.
History Comparison
Facts Comparison
Interesting Fact 💡
Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel functionXLOOKUP- First major update to lookup functions in 20 years
INDEX_MATCH- Used in 80% of advanced Excel formulas
COUNTIFS- Enhanced version of COUNTIF
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionXLOOKUP- Makes VLOOKUP feel like using a flip phone in 2024
INDEX_MATCH- The relationship status of Excel functions: It's complicated
COUNTIFS- The function that makes counting feel like detective work
Usage Information Comparison
Formula Complexity Level 📖
Indicates the difficulty level and complexity of using the Excel function effectivelyXLOOKUPINDEX_MATCHCOUNTIFS
Technical Details Comparison
Input Data Type 📝
Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parametersXLOOKUP- TextXLOOKUP accepts Text as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for text manipulation Click to see all.
- NumberXLOOKUP accepts Number as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for numerical calculations
INDEX_MATCH- ArrayINDEX_MATCH accepts Array as input data. Excel functions designed to work with arrays and ranges of data Click to see all.
- RangeINDEX_MATCH accepts Range as input data. Excel functions that operate on cell ranges and data sets
COUNTIFS- ArrayCOUNTIFS accepts Array as input data. Excel functions designed to work with arrays and ranges of data Click to see all.
- RangeCOUNTIFS accepts Range as input data. Excel functions that operate on cell ranges and data sets
- NumberCOUNTIFS 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 2019Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2019 version
XLOOKUP- Microsoft 365XLOOKUP is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
INDEX_MATCH- Excel 2016INDEX_MATCH is compatible with Excel 2016 Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2016 version
- Excel 2013INDEX_MATCH is compatible with Excel 2013 Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2013 version
- Microsoft 365INDEX_MATCH is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
COUNTIFS- Excel 2016COUNTIFS is compatible with Excel 2016 Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2016 version
- Excel 2013COUNTIFS 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 platformsFor all*- WindowsExcel functions optimized for Windows operating system
- MacOSExcel functions optimized for MacOS users
- Web ExcelExcel functions available in web-based versions
XLOOKUP- Excel OnlineXLOOKUP 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 properlyXLOOKUPINDEX_MATCHCOUNTIFSRequired Arguments Type 📊
The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the functionFor all*- RangeExcel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations
- NumberExcel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs
XLOOKUP- TextXLOOKUP accepts Text as input types Excel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing
INDEX_MATCH- ArrayINDEX_MATCH accepts Array as input types Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
COUNTIFS- TextCOUNTIFS accepts Text as input types Excel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing
Evaluation Comparison
Pros ✅
Key advantages and strengths of the Excel functionXLOOKUP- Dynamic Array SupportFunctions that support dynamic array operations and spilling
- Handles Errors Gracefully
- Bi-Directional Lookup
INDEX_MATCH- More Flexible Than VLOOKUP
- Can Search Both Ways
- Better Performance
- Column Independent
COUNTIFS- Flexible Criteria Options
- Multiple Conditions
- Easy To Use
- Handles Multiple Criteria
- Flexible
Cons ❌
Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel functionXLOOKUP- Complex Syntax For Beginners
- Limited Backward Compatibility
- Not Available In Older Versions
- Complex For Beginners
INDEX_MATCH- Requires Two Functions
- Steeper Learning Curve
- Complex Syntax
COUNTIFS- Complex Syntax For Multiple Criteria
- Performance Issues With Large Datasets
- Limited To Equal Conditions Only
- Case SensitiveFunctions where text matching is affected by letter case can cause unexpected results Click to see all.
Ratings Comparison
Versatility Score 📈
Rating for function's adaptability to different scenariosXLOOKUPINDEX_MATCHCOUNTIFSPerformance Score ⚙
Rating for function's execution speed and efficiencyXLOOKUPINDEX_MATCHCOUNTIFSReliability Score 🛠
Rating for function's consistency and error handlingXLOOKUPINDEX_MATCHCOUNTIFS
Alternatives to XLOOKUP
MATCH
Known for Position Finding
📊
is easier to use than INDEX_MATCH
VLOOKUP
Known for Vertical Data Search
🔢
needs fewer arguments than INDEX_MATCH
📊
is easier to use than INDEX_MATCH
SUMIFS
Known for Multiple Condition Sum
📊
is easier to use than INDEX_MATCH
COUNT
Known for Counting Numeric Cells
📊
is easier to use than INDEX_MATCH
SUM
Known for Basic Arithmetic Calculations
📊
is easier to use than INDEX_MATCH
🛠
is more reliable than INDEX_MATCH
⭐
is rated higher than INDEX_MATCH
FILTER
Known for Advanced Filtering
📊
is easier to use than INDEX_MATCH
HLOOKUP
Known for Horizontal Data Lookup
🔢
needs fewer arguments than INDEX_MATCH