INDEX_MATCH vs LOOKUP vs OFFSET
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INDEX_MATCH vs LOOKUP 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.
    LOOKUP
    • Simple Vertical And Horizontal Lookups
      LOOKUP is known for Simple Vertical And Horizontal Lookups.
    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
    LOOKUP
    • Predecessor to VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP
    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
    LOOKUP
    • Still exists because Excel is afraid of commitment issues
    OFFSET
    • The parkour artist of Excel functions

Technical Details Comparison

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
    LOOKUP
    • Simple To Understand
    • Works With Sorted Data
    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
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Requires Two Functions
    • Steeper Learning Curve
    • Complex Syntax
    LOOKUP
    • Limited To One-Way Lookups
    • Requires Sorted Data
    OFFSET
    • Volatile Calculation
    • Complex Syntax

Ratings Comparison

Alternatives to INDEX_MATCH
INDEX
Known for Advanced Data Retrieval
MATCH
Known for Position Finding
📊 is easier to use than INDEX_MATCH
SUMIFS
Known for Multiple Condition Sum
📊 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
XLOOKUP
Known for Dynamic Array Support
📊 is easier to use than INDEX_MATCH
⭐ is rated higher than INDEX_MATCH
COUNT
Known for Counting Numeric Cells
📊 is easier to use than INDEX_MATCH
FILTER
Known for Advanced Filtering
📊 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
COUNTIFS
Known for Multiple Criteria Counting
📊 is easier to use than INDEX_MATCH
HLOOKUP
Known for Horizontal Data Lookup
🔢 needs fewer arguments than INDEX_MATCH