INDEX_MATCH vs MATCH vs LOOKUP
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INDEX_MATCH 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 types
    For all*
    • Lookup & Reference
      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
    For all*
    • Retrieval
      Functions specialized in fetching data from various sources

Basic Information Comparison

  • Known For ⭐
    Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel function
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Two-Way Lookup Power
      INDEX_MATCH is known for Two-Way Lookup Power.
    MATCH
    • Position Finding
      MATCH is known for Position Finding.
    LOOKUP
    • Simple Vertical And Horizontal Lookups
      LOOKUP is known for Simple Vertical And Horizontal Lookups.

Facts Comparison

  • Interesting Fact 💡
    Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel function
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Used in 80% of advanced Excel formulas
    MATCH
    • Best friend of INDEX
    LOOKUP
    • Predecessor to VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP

  • Sarcastic Fact 🤣
    Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel function
    INDEX_MATCH
    • The relationship status of Excel functions: It's complicated
    MATCH
    • The function that plays hide and seek
    LOOKUP
    • Still exists because Excel is afraid of commitment issues

Technical Details Comparison

Evaluation Comparison

  • Pros ✅
    Key advantages and strengths of the Excel function
    INDEX_MATCH
    • More Flexible Than VLOOKUP
    • Can Search Both Ways
    • Better Performance
    • Column Independent
    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 function
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Requires Two Functions
    • Steeper Learning Curve
    • Complex Syntax
    MATCH
    • Requires Sorted Data
    • Complex Syntax
    • Requires Exact Matches
    LOOKUP
    • Limited To One-Way Lookups
    • Requires Sorted Data

Ratings Comparison

Alternatives to INDEX_MATCH
SUMIFS
Known for Multiple Condition Sum
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
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
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
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
FORECAST
Known for Linear Trend Prediction