Compact mode
SUM vs INDEX_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 typesSUMINDEX_MATCH- Lookup & ReferenceINDEX_MATCH belongs to the Lookup & Reference category. Excel functions for searching and referencing data across spreadsheets
VLOOKUP- Lookup & ReferenceVLOOKUP 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 inputsSUM- CalculationSUM performs Calculation operations. Excel functions for performing various calculations
INDEX_MATCH- RetrievalINDEX_MATCH performs Retrieval operations. Functions specialized in fetching data from various sources
VLOOKUP- RetrievalVLOOKUP performs Retrieval operations. Functions 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 functionSUM- Basic Arithmetic CalculationsSUM is known for Basic Arithmetic Calculations.
INDEX_MATCH- Two-Way Lookup PowerINDEX_MATCH is known for Two-Way Lookup Power.
VLOOKUP- Vertical Data SearchVLOOKUP is known for Vertical Data Search.
History Comparison
Facts Comparison
Interesting Fact 💡
Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel functionSUM- Most commonly used function in Excel
INDEX_MATCH- Used in 80% of advanced Excel formulas
VLOOKUP- Often confused with HLOOKUP
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionSUM- Making adding numbers look complicated since 1985
INDEX_MATCH- The relationship status of Excel functions: It's complicated
VLOOKUP- The function everyone pretends to understand
Usage Information Comparison
Formula Complexity Level 📖
Indicates the difficulty level and complexity of using the Excel function effectivelySUMINDEX_MATCHVLOOKUP
Technical Details Comparison
Input Data Type 📝
Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parametersSUM- NumberSUM accepts Number as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for numerical calculations
INDEX_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
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
SUM- Excel OnlineSUM 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 properlySUMINDEX_MATCHVLOOKUPRequired Arguments Type 📊
The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the functionFor all*- NumberExcel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs
- RangeExcel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations
SUM- ArraySUM accepts Array as input types Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
INDEX_MATCH- ArrayINDEX_MATCH 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 functionSUM- Easy To Use
- Widely Recognized
- Versatile
- Fast Calculation
INDEX_MATCH- More Flexible Than VLOOKUP
- Can Search Both Ways
- Better Performance
- Column Independent
VLOOKUP- Powerful Search Capability
- Flexible Matching
- Powerful Search
- Common In Business
Cons ❌
Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel functionSUM- Limited To Numbers Only
- Cannot Handle Text
- No Text Handling
INDEX_MATCH- Requires Two Functions
- Steeper Learning Curve
- Complex Syntax
VLOOKUP
Ratings Comparison
Versatility Score 📈
Rating for function's adaptability to different scenariosSUMINDEX_MATCHVLOOKUP
Alternatives to SUM
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
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
HLOOKUP
Known for Horizontal Data Lookup
🔢
needs fewer arguments 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
FILTER
Known for Advanced Filtering
📊
is easier to use than INDEX_MATCH