MATCH vs FORECAST vs VLOOKUP
Compact mode

MATCH vs FORECAST 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 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
    VLOOKUP
    • Lookup & Reference
      VLOOKUP 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 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
    VLOOKUP
    • Retrieval
      VLOOKUP performs Retrieval operations. Functions specialized in fetching data from various sources

Usage Context Comparison

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.
    VLOOKUP
    • Vertical Data Search
      VLOOKUP is known for Vertical Data Search.

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
    VLOOKUP
    • Often confused with HLOOKUP

  • 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
    VLOOKUP
    • The function everyone pretends to understand

Technical Details Comparison

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

  • 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
    • 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
    VLOOKUP
    • Microsoft 365
      VLOOKUP is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
    • Excel Online
      VLOOKUP 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
    For all*
    • 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
    MATCH
    FORECAST
    VLOOKUP

  • Required Arguments Type 📊
    The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the function
    For all*
    • Number
      Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs
    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
    • Array
      MATCH accepts Array as input types Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
    FORECAST
    • Array
      FORECAST accepts Array as input types Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
    VLOOKUP
    • Range
      VLOOKUP accepts Range as input types Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations
    • Text
      VLOOKUP accepts Text as input types Excel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing
    • Boolean
      VLOOKUP accepts Boolean as input types Excel functions that work with true/false logical inputs for decision-making

Evaluation Comparison

Ratings Comparison

Alternatives to MATCH
SUMIFS
Known for Multiple Condition Sum
INDEX
Known for Advanced Data Retrieval
📈 is more versatile than MATCH
⚙ performs better than MATCH
⭐ is rated higher than MATCH
LOOKUP
Known for Simple Vertical And Horizontal Lookups
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
COUNTIF
Known for Counting With Conditions
📊 is easier to use than MATCH
⚙ performs better than MATCH
HLOOKUP
Known for Horizontal Data Lookup
🔢 needs fewer arguments than MATCH
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
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
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
AVERAGEIFS
Known for Multiple Criteria Based Average