Compact mode
COUNT vs MATCH vs LOOKUP
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 typesCOUNTMATCH- Lookup & ReferenceMATCH belongs to the Lookup & Reference category. Excel functions for searching and referencing data across spreadsheets
LOOKUP- Lookup & ReferenceLOOKUP 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 inputsCOUNT- CalculationCOUNT performs Calculation operations. Excel functions for performing various calculations
MATCH- RetrievalMATCH performs Retrieval operations. Functions specialized in fetching data from various sources
LOOKUP- RetrievalLOOKUP 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 functionCOUNT- Counting Numeric CellsCOUNT is known for Counting Numeric Cells.
MATCH- Position FindingMATCH is known for Position Finding.
LOOKUP- Simple Vertical And Horizontal LookupsLOOKUP is known for Simple Vertical And Horizontal Lookups.
History Comparison
Facts Comparison
Interesting Fact 💡
Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel functionCOUNT- Originally designed for VisiCalc spreadsheets
MATCH- Best friend of INDEX
LOOKUP- Predecessor to VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionCOUNT- Keeps counting even when you wish it would stop
MATCH- The function that plays hide and seek
LOOKUP- Still exists because Excel is afraid of commitment issues
Usage Information Comparison
Formula Complexity Level 📖
Indicates the difficulty level and complexity of using the Excel function effectivelyCOUNTMATCHLOOKUP
Technical Details Comparison
Input Data Type 📝
Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parametersFor all*- NumberExcel functions specifically designed for numerical calculations
COUNT- ArrayCOUNT accepts Array as input data. Excel functions designed to work with arrays and ranges of data Click to see all.
- RangeCOUNT accepts Range as input data. Excel functions that operate on cell ranges and data sets
MATCHLOOKUPVersion 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
MATCH- Microsoft 365MATCH is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
- Excel OnlineMATCH 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 properlyCOUNTMATCHLOOKUPRequired Arguments Type 📊
The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the functionFor all*- ArrayExcel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
- RangeExcel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations
COUNT- NumberCOUNT accepts Number as input types Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs
MATCH- TextMATCH accepts Text as input types Excel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing
- NumberMATCH accepts Number as input types Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs
Evaluation Comparison
Pros ✅
Key advantages and strengths of the Excel functionCOUNT- Fast And Efficient
- Easy To UnderstandFunctions with clear and intuitive syntax that are simple to learn
- Widely Used
MATCH- Flexible Matching
- Works With INDEX
- Versatile Search
- Fast
LOOKUP- Simple To Understand
- Works With Sorted Data
Cons ❌
Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel functionCOUNT- Limited To Numbers Only
- Ignores Text Cells
MATCH- Requires Sorted Data
- Complex Syntax
- Requires Exact Matches
LOOKUP- Limited To One-Way Lookups
- Requires Sorted Data
Ratings Comparison
Alternatives to COUNT
VLOOKUP
Known for Vertical Data Search
🔢
needs fewer arguments than MATCH
📈
is more versatile than MATCH
INDEX
Known for Advanced Data Retrieval
📈
is more versatile than MATCH
⚙
performs better than MATCH
⭐
is rated higher than MATCH
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
HLOOKUP
Known for Horizontal Data Lookup
🔢
needs fewer arguments than MATCH
COUNTIF
Known for Counting With Conditions
📊
is easier to use than MATCH
⚙
performs better 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