Compact mode

INDEX_MATCH vs UNIQUE vs SORT

Table of content

Basic Classification Comparison
Usage Context Comparison
Basic Information Comparison
History Comparison
Facts Comparison

Usage Information Comparison
Technical Details Comparison
Evaluation Comparison
Ratings Comparison

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

INDEX_MATCH

Lookup & Reference

INDEX_MATCH belongs to the Lookup & Reference category. Excel functions for searching and referencing data across spreadsheets

UNIQUE

Database

UNIQUE belongs to the Database category. Excel functions for managing and analyzing database-like data Click to see all.

SORT

Database

SORT belongs to the Database category. Excel functions for managing and analyzing database-like data Click to see all.
Operation Type 🔧

Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputs

INDEX_MATCH

Retrieval

INDEX_MATCH performs Retrieval operations. Functions specialized in fetching data from various sources

UNIQUE

Aggregation

UNIQUE performs Aggregation operations. Excel functions for combining and summarizing data Click to see all.

SORT

Manipulation

SORT performs Manipulation operations. Functions that modify and transform data in different ways

Usage Context Comparison

For whom 👥

Target user groups who would benefit most from using this Excel function

For all*

Data Analysts

Excel functions specifically designed for data analysis and interpretation

Business Managers

Excel functions helpful for business management and decision making

UNIQUE

Administrative Staff

UNIQUE is designed for Administrative Staff. Excel functions useful for administrative tasks and data management Click to see all.
Purpose 📝

Primary purposes and use cases of the Excel function

For all*

Data Analysis

Functions specifically designed for analyzing data

INDEX_MATCH

Data Lookup

INDEX_MATCH is used for Data Lookup. Functions for finding and retrieving specific data Click to see all.

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.

UNIQUE

Duplicate Removal

UNIQUE is known for Duplicate Removal.

SORT

Dynamic Sorting

SORT is known for Dynamic Sorting.

History Comparison

Creation Date 📅

Original release date of the Excel function

INDEX_MATCH

Excel 95

INDEX_MATCH was created in Excel 95. Functions that came with Excel 95 release Click to see all.

UNIQUE

Excel 2019

UNIQUE was created in Excel 2019. Functions introduced in Excel 2019 release Click to see all.

SORT

Excel 2019

SORT was created in Excel 2019. Functions introduced in Excel 2019 release Click to see all.
Created By 👤

Organization or team responsible for developing the function

For all*

Microsoft Excel Team

Functions officially created by the Microsoft Excel development team

Facts Comparison

Interesting Fact 💡

Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel function

INDEX_MATCH

Used in 80% of advanced Excel formulas

UNIQUE

First array-based duplicate remover

SORT

First dynamic array sorting function
Sarcastic Fact 🤣

Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel function

INDEX_MATCH

The relationship status of Excel functions: It's complicated

UNIQUE

Like a bouncer at an exclusive Excel party

SORT

The librarian of Excel functions

Usage Information Comparison

Formula Complexity Level 📖

Indicates the difficulty level and complexity of using the Excel function effectively

INDEX_MATCH

Advanced

INDEX_MATCH has a Advanced complexity level. Complex Excel functions for sophisticated calculations and operations Click to see all.

UNIQUE

Intermediate

UNIQUE has a Intermediate complexity level. Excel functions with moderate complexity for various tasks Click to see all.

SORT

Intermediate

SORT has a Intermediate complexity level. Excel functions with moderate complexity for various tasks Click to see all.

Technical Details Comparison

Input Data Type 📝

Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parameters

For all*

Array

Excel functions designed to work with arrays and ranges of data

Range

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

Microsoft 365

Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform

INDEX_MATCH

Excel 2016

INDEX_MATCH is compatible with Excel 2016 Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2016 version

Excel 2013

INDEX_MATCH is compatible with Excel 2013 Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2013 version
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

INDEX_MATCH

Web Excel

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

UNIQUE

Excel Online

UNIQUE runs on Excel Online Excel functions available in the online version of Excel

SORT

Excel Online

SORT runs on Excel Online Excel functions available in the online version of Excel

Web Excel

SORT 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

INDEX_MATCH

3

INDEX_MATCH needs 3 required arguments Click to see all.

UNIQUE

1

UNIQUE needs 1 required arguments Click to see all.

SORT

1

SORT needs 1 required arguments Click to see all.
Required Arguments Type 📊

The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the function

For all*

Range

Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations

INDEX_MATCH

Number

INDEX_MATCH accepts Number as input types Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs

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

INDEX_MATCH

More Flexible Than VLOOKUP

Can Search Both Ways

Better Performance

Column Independent

UNIQUE

Removes Duplicates Automatically

Excel functions that automatically remove duplicates maintain data uniqueness efficiently

Dynamic Results

Functions that automatically update results when source data changes

Simple Syntax

Automatically Updates

Functions that dynamically update results based on data changes

SORT

Automatic Sorting

Dynamic Results

Functions that automatically update results when source data changes

Multiple Columns

Automatic Updates
Cons ❌

Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel function

INDEX_MATCH

Requires Two Functions

Steeper Learning Curve

Complex Syntax

UNIQUE

Requires Latest Excel Versions

Array Spillover Needs Space

Limited To Newer Versions

Single Operation

SORT

Requires Modern Excel

Functions only available in recent versions of Excel Click to see all.

Space Requirements

Resource Intensive

Functions that consume significant computer memory and processing power Click to see all.