Compact mode
INDEX_MATCH vs MATCH vs VLOOKUP
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 typesFor all*- Lookup & ReferenceExcel functions for searching and referencing data across spreadsheets
Operation Type 🔧
Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputsFor all*- RetrievalFunctions specialized in fetching data from various sources
Usage Context Comparison
For whom 👥
Target user groups who would benefit most from using this Excel functionFor all*- Data AnalystsExcel functions specifically designed for data analysis and interpretation
- Business ManagersExcel functions helpful for business management and decision making
VLOOKUP
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.
MATCH- Position FindingMATCH is known for Position Finding.
VLOOKUP- Vertical Data SearchVLOOKUP is known for Vertical Data Search.
History Comparison
Facts Comparison
Interesting Fact 💡
Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel functionINDEX_MATCH- Used in 80% of advanced Excel formulas
MATCH- Best friend of INDEX
VLOOKUP- Often confused with HLOOKUP
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionINDEX_MATCH- The relationship status of Excel functions: It's complicated
MATCH- The function that plays hide and seek
VLOOKUP- The function everyone pretends to understand
Usage Information Comparison
Formula Complexity Level 📖
Indicates the difficulty level and complexity of using the Excel function effectivelyINDEX_MATCHMATCHVLOOKUP
Technical Details Comparison
Input Data Type 📝
Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parametersINDEX_MATCH- ArrayINDEX_MATCH accepts Array as input data. Excel functions designed to work with arrays and ranges of data Click to see all.
- RangeINDEX_MATCH accepts Range as input data. Excel functions that operate on cell ranges and data sets
MATCH- TextMATCH accepts Text as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for text manipulation Click to see all.
- NumberMATCH accepts Number as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for numerical calculations
VLOOKUP- TextVLOOKUP accepts Text as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for text manipulation Click to see all.
- NumberVLOOKUP accepts Number as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for numerical calculations
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
- Excel 2016Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2016 version
- Excel 2013Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2013 version
- Microsoft 365Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
MATCH- Excel OnlineMATCH is compatible with Excel Online Excel functions optimized for use in the web-based Excel Online platform
VLOOKUP- Excel OnlineVLOOKUP is compatible with Excel Online Excel functions optimized for use in the web-based Excel Online platform
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
Required Arguments Count 🔢
Number of mandatory arguments needed for the function to work properlyINDEX_MATCHMATCHVLOOKUPRequired Arguments Type 📊
The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the functionFor all*- RangeExcel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations
- NumberExcel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs
INDEX_MATCH- ArrayINDEX_MATCH accepts Array as input types Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
MATCH- TextMATCH accepts Text as input types Excel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing
- ArrayMATCH accepts Array as input types Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
VLOOKUP- TextVLOOKUP accepts Text as input types Excel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing
- BooleanVLOOKUP accepts Boolean as input types Excel functions that work with true/false logical inputs for decision-making
Evaluation Comparison
Pros ✅
Key advantages and strengths of the Excel functionINDEX_MATCH- More Flexible Than VLOOKUP
- Can Search Both Ways
- Better Performance
- Column Independent
MATCH- Flexible Matching
- Works With INDEX
- Versatile Search
- Fast
VLOOKUP- Powerful Search Capability
- Flexible Matching
- Powerful Search
- Common In Business
Cons ❌
Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel functionINDEX_MATCH- Requires Two Functions
- Steeper Learning Curve
- Complex Syntax
MATCH- Requires Sorted Data
- Complex Syntax
- Requires Exact Matches
VLOOKUP
Ratings Comparison
Versatility Score 📈
Rating for function's adaptability to different scenariosINDEX_MATCHMATCHVLOOKUP
Alternatives to 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
XLOOKUP
Known for Dynamic Array Support
📊
is easier to use than INDEX_MATCH
⭐
is rated higher 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
FILTER
Known for Advanced Filtering
📊
is easier to use than INDEX_MATCH
HLOOKUP
Known for Horizontal Data Lookup
🔢
needs fewer arguments than INDEX_MATCH