SUM vs INDEX_MATCH vs OFFSET
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SUM vs INDEX_MATCH 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
    SUM
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Lookup & Reference
      INDEX_MATCH belongs to the Lookup & Reference category. Excel functions for searching and referencing data across spreadsheets
    OFFSET
    • Lookup & Reference
      OFFSET 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
    OFFSET
    • Retrieval
      OFFSET 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.
    OFFSET
    • Dynamic Range Manipulation
      OFFSET is known for Dynamic Range Manipulation.

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
    OFFSET
    • Essential for dynamic charts

  • 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
    OFFSET
    • The parkour artist of Excel functions

Technical Details Comparison

  • Input Data Type 📝
    Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parameters
    SUM
    • Number
      SUM accepts Number as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for numerical calculations
    INDEX_MATCH
    OFFSET
    • Range
      OFFSET accepts Range as input data. Excel functions that operate on cell ranges and data sets

  • 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
    SUM
    • Microsoft 365
      SUM is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
    • Excel Online
      SUM is compatible with Excel Online Excel functions optimized for use in the web-based Excel Online platform
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Microsoft 365
      INDEX_MATCH is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform

  • 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
    SUM
    • Web Excel
      SUM runs on Web Excel Excel functions available in web-based versions
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Web Excel
      INDEX_MATCH runs on Web Excel Excel functions available in web-based versions

  • Required Arguments Count 🔢
    Number of mandatory arguments needed for the function to work properly
    SUM
    INDEX_MATCH
    OFFSET

  • Required Arguments Type 📊
    The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the function
    For all*
    • Number
      Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs
    • Range
      Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations
    SUM
    • Array
      SUM accepts Array as input types Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Array
      INDEX_MATCH accepts Array as input types Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations

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
    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
    SUM
    • Limited To Numbers Only
    • Cannot Handle Text
    • No Text Handling
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Requires Two Functions
    • Steeper Learning Curve
    • Complex Syntax
    OFFSET
    • Volatile Calculation
    • Complex Syntax

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
LOOKUP
Known for Simple Vertical And Horizontal Lookups
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