Compact mode
INDEX_MATCH vs CONCAT vs SORT
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 typesINDEX_MATCH- Lookup & ReferenceINDEX_MATCH belongs to the Lookup & Reference category. Excel functions for searching and referencing data across spreadsheets
CONCAT- TextCONCAT belongs to the Text category. Excel functions for manipulating and analyzing text data
SORTOperation Type 🔧
Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputsINDEX_MATCH- RetrievalINDEX_MATCH performs Retrieval operations. Functions specialized in fetching data from various sources
CONCAT- ManipulationCONCAT performs Manipulation operations. Functions that modify and transform data in different ways
SORT- ManipulationSORT performs Manipulation operations. Functions that modify and transform data in different ways
Usage Context Comparison
Purpose 📝
Primary purposes and use cases of the Excel functionINDEX_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.
CONCATSORT
Basic Information Comparison
Known For ⭐
Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel functionINDEX_MATCH- Two-Way Lookup PowerINDEX_MATCH is known for Two-Way Lookup Power.
CONCAT- Modern Text JoiningCONCAT is known for Modern Text Joining.
SORT- Dynamic SortingSORT is known for Dynamic Sorting.
History Comparison
Facts Comparison
Interesting Fact 💡
Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel functionINDEX_MATCH- Used in 80% of advanced Excel formulas
CONCAT- Replaced CONCATENATE function
SORT- First dynamic array sorting function
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionINDEX_MATCH- The relationship status of Excel functions: It's complicated
CONCAT- The modern solution to text attachment anxiety
SORT- The librarian of Excel functions
Usage Information Comparison
Formula Complexity Level 📖
Indicates the difficulty level and complexity of using the Excel function effectivelyINDEX_MATCHCONCATSORT
Technical Details Comparison
Input Data Type 📝
Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parametersFor all*INDEX_MATCH- RangeINDEX_MATCH accepts Range as input data. Excel functions that operate on cell ranges and data sets
CONCATSORT- RangeSORT 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 2019Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2019 version
- Microsoft 365Excel 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
CONCAT- Excel 2016CONCAT is compatible with Excel 2016 Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2016 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
SORT- Excel OnlineSORT 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 properlyINDEX_MATCHCONCATSORTRequired Arguments Type 📊
The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the functionFor all*- RangeExcel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations
INDEX_MATCH- NumberINDEX_MATCH accepts Number as input types Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs
- ArrayINDEX_MATCH accepts Array as input types Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
CONCAT- TextCONCAT accepts Text as input types Excel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing
Evaluation Comparison
Pros ✅
Key advantages and strengths of the Excel functionINDEX_MATCH- More Flexible Than VLOOKUP
- Can Search Both Ways
- Better Performance
- Column Independent
CONCAT- Array Support
- Dynamic Ranges
SORT- Automatic Sorting
- Dynamic ResultsFunctions that automatically update results when source data changes
- Multiple Columns
- Automatic Updates
Cons ❌
Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel functionINDEX_MATCH- Requires Two Functions
- Steeper Learning Curve
- Complex Syntax
CONCAT- Not Backward Compatible
- Limited FormattingFunctions with restricted formatting capabilities, reducing customization options Click to see all.
SORT
Ratings Comparison
Versatility Score 📈
Rating for function's adaptability to different scenariosINDEX_MATCHCONCATSORT
Alternatives to INDEX_MATCH
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
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
COUNTIFS
Known for Multiple Criteria Counting
📊
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