SUM vs INDEX_MATCH vs LOOKUP
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SUM vs INDEX_MATCH 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 types
    SUM
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Lookup & Reference
      INDEX_MATCH belongs to the Lookup & Reference category. Excel functions for searching and referencing data across spreadsheets
    LOOKUP
    • Lookup & Reference
      LOOKUP belongs to the Lookup & Reference category. 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
    SUM
    • Calculation
      SUM performs Calculation operations. Excel functions for performing various calculations
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Retrieval
      INDEX_MATCH performs Retrieval operations. Functions specialized in fetching data from various sources
    LOOKUP
    • Retrieval
      LOOKUP performs Retrieval operations. Functions specialized in fetching data from various sources

Basic Information Comparison

  • Known For ⭐
    Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel function
    SUM
    • Basic Arithmetic Calculations
      SUM is known for Basic Arithmetic Calculations.
    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.

Facts Comparison

  • Interesting Fact 💡
    Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel function
    SUM
    • Most commonly used function in Excel
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Used in 80% of advanced Excel formulas
    LOOKUP
    • Predecessor to VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP

  • Sarcastic Fact 🤣
    Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel function
    SUM
    • Making adding numbers look complicated since 1985
    INDEX_MATCH
    • The relationship status of Excel functions: It's complicated
    LOOKUP
    • Still exists because Excel is afraid of commitment issues

Technical Details Comparison

Evaluation Comparison

  • Pros ✅
    Key advantages and strengths of the Excel function
    SUM
    • Easy To Use
    • Widely Recognized
    • Versatile
    • Fast Calculation
    INDEX_MATCH
    • More Flexible Than VLOOKUP
    • Can Search Both Ways
    • Better Performance
    • Column Independent
    LOOKUP
    • Simple To Understand
    • Works With Sorted Data

  • Cons ❌
    Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel function
    SUM
    • Limited To Numbers Only
    • Cannot Handle Text
    • No Text Handling
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Requires Two Functions
    • Steeper Learning Curve
    • Complex Syntax
    LOOKUP
    • Limited To One-Way Lookups
    • Requires Sorted Data

Ratings Comparison

Alternatives to SUM
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
COUNT
Known for Counting Numeric Cells
📊 is easier to use than INDEX_MATCH
OFFSET
Known for Dynamic Range Manipulation
XLOOKUP
Known for Dynamic Array Support
📊 is easier to use than INDEX_MATCH
⭐ is rated higher than INDEX_MATCH
FILTER
Known for Advanced Filtering
📊 is easier to use than INDEX_MATCH
COUNTA
Known for Count Non-Empty Cells
📊 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