XLOOKUP vs INDEX_MATCH vs LOOKUP
Compact mode

XLOOKUP vs INDEX_MATCH vs LOOKUP

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
    XLOOKUP
    • Dynamic Array Support
      XLOOKUP is known for Dynamic Array Support.
    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
    XLOOKUP
    • First major update to lookup functions in 20 years
    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
    XLOOKUP
    • Makes VLOOKUP feel like using a flip phone in 2024
    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
    XLOOKUP
    • Dynamic Array Support
      Functions 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
    LOOKUP
    • Simple To Understand
    • Works With Sorted Data
  • Cons

    Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel function
    XLOOKUP
    • 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
    LOOKUP
    • Limited To One-Way Lookups
    • Requires Sorted Data

Ratings Comparison

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
HLOOKUP
Known for Horizontal Data Lookup
🔢 needs fewer arguments 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
COUNTIFS
Known for Multiple Criteria Counting
📊 is easier to use than INDEX_MATCH