MATCH vs FORECAST
Compact mode

MATCH vs FORECAST

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
    MATCH
    • Lookup & Reference
      MATCH belongs to the Lookup & Reference category. Excel functions for searching and referencing data across spreadsheets
    FORECAST
    • Statistical
      FORECAST belongs to the Statistical category. Excel functions for statistical analysis and calculations

  • Operation Type 🔧
    Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputs
    MATCH
    • Retrieval
      MATCH performs Retrieval operations. Functions specialized in fetching data from various sources
    FORECAST
    • Calculation
      FORECAST performs Calculation operations. Excel functions for performing various calculations

Basic Information Comparison

  • Known For ⭐
    Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel function
    MATCH
    • Position Finding
      MATCH is known for Position Finding.
    FORECAST
    • Linear Trend Prediction
      FORECAST is known for Linear Trend Prediction.

Facts Comparison

  • Interesting Fact 💡
    Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel function
    MATCH
    • Best friend of INDEX
    FORECAST
    • Based on least squares regression method

  • Sarcastic Fact 🤣
    Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel function
    MATCH
    • The function that plays hide and seek
    FORECAST
    • The crystal ball of Excel functions

Technical Details Comparison

  • Input Data Type 📝
    Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parameters
    Both*
    • Number
      Excel functions specifically designed for numerical calculations
    MATCH

  • Version Compatibility 💻
    Indicates which Excel versions and platforms the function is compatible with < including Office 365< Excel 2019< 2016< etc.
    Both*
    • 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
    MATCH
    • Microsoft 365
      MATCH is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
    • Excel Online
      MATCH 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 platforms
    Both*
    • Windows
      Excel functions optimized for Windows operating system
    • MacOS
      Excel functions optimized for MacOS users
    • Web Excel
      Excel functions available in web-based versions

  • Required Arguments Count 🔢
    Number of mandatory arguments needed for the function to work properly
    Both*

  • Required Arguments Type 📊
    The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the function
    Both*
    • Number
      Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs
    • Array
      Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
    MATCH
    • Range
      MATCH accepts Range as input types Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations
    • Text
      MATCH accepts Text as input types Excel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing

Evaluation Comparison

  • Pros ✅
    Key advantages and strengths of the Excel function
    MATCH
    • Flexible Matching
    • Works With INDEX
    • Versatile Search
    • Fast
    FORECAST
    • Statistical Accuracy
      Excel functions with high statistical accuracy ensure precise mathematical and analytical results
    • Trend Analysis
    • Professional
    • Scientific Prediction
    • Based On Historical Data
      Functions that analyze and process historical time-series data

  • Cons ❌
    Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel function
    MATCH
    • Requires Sorted Data
    • Complex Syntax
    • Requires Exact Matches
    FORECAST
    • Assumes Linear Relationship
    • Complex Setup
    • Sensitive To Outliers
Alternatives to MATCH
VLOOKUP
Known for Vertical Data Search
🔢 needs fewer arguments than MATCH
📈 is more versatile than MATCH
Add to comparison
SUMIFS
Known for Multiple Condition Sum
Add to comparison
LOOKUP
Known for Simple Vertical And Horizontal Lookups
Add to comparison
INDEX
Known for Advanced Data Retrieval
📈 is more versatile than MATCH
⚙ performs better than MATCH
⭐ is rated higher than MATCH
Add to comparison
INDEX_MATCH
Known for Two-Way Lookup Power
📈 is more versatile than MATCH
⚙ performs better than MATCH
🛠 is more reliable than MATCH
⭐ is rated higher than MATCH
Add to comparison
COUNTIF
Known for Counting With Conditions
📊 is easier to use than MATCH
⚙ performs better than MATCH
Add to comparison
HLOOKUP
Known for Horizontal Data Lookup
🔢 needs fewer arguments than MATCH
Add to comparison
XLOOKUP
Known for Dynamic Array Support
📊 is easier to use than MATCH
📈 is more versatile than MATCH
⚙ performs better than MATCH
🛠 is more reliable than MATCH
⭐ is rated higher than MATCH
Add to comparison
SUM
Known for Basic Arithmetic Calculations
📊 is easier to use than MATCH
⚙ performs better than MATCH
🛠 is more reliable than MATCH
⭐ is rated higher than MATCH
Add to comparison
SUBSTITUTE
Known for Replace Specific Text
📊 is easier to use than MATCH
⚙ performs better than MATCH
🛠 is more reliable than MATCH
⭐ is rated higher than MATCH
Add to comparison