SUM vs XLOOKUP vs INDEX_MATCH
Compact mode

SUM vs XLOOKUP vs INDEX_MATCH

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
    SUM
    XLOOKUP
    • Lookup & Reference
      XLOOKUP belongs to the Lookup & Reference category. Excel functions for searching and referencing data across spreadsheets
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Lookup & Reference
      INDEX_MATCH 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
    SUM
    • Calculation
      SUM performs Calculation operations. Excel functions for performing various calculations
    XLOOKUP
    • Retrieval
      XLOOKUP performs Retrieval operations. Functions specialized in fetching data from various sources
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Retrieval
      INDEX_MATCH performs Retrieval operations. Functions specialized in fetching data from various sources

Basic Information Comparison

  • Known For ⭐
    Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel function
    SUM
    • Basic Arithmetic Calculations
      SUM is known for Basic Arithmetic Calculations.
    XLOOKUP
    • Dynamic Array Support
      XLOOKUP is known for Dynamic Array Support.
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Two-Way Lookup Power
      INDEX_MATCH is known for Two-Way Lookup Power.

Facts Comparison

  • Interesting Fact 💡
    Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel function
    SUM
    • Most commonly used function in Excel
    XLOOKUP
    • First major update to lookup functions in 20 years
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Used in 80% of advanced Excel formulas

  • Sarcastic Fact 🤣
    Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel function
    SUM
    • Making adding numbers look complicated since 1985
    XLOOKUP
    • Makes VLOOKUP feel like using a flip phone in 2024
    INDEX_MATCH
    • The relationship status of Excel functions: It's complicated

Technical Details Comparison

  • Input Data Type 📝
    Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parameters
    SUM
    • Number
      SUM accepts Number as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for numerical calculations
    XLOOKUP
    INDEX_MATCH

  • 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
    • Microsoft 365
      Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
    SUM
    • Excel 2016
      SUM is compatible with Excel 2016 Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2016 version
    • Excel 2013
      SUM is compatible with Excel 2013 Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2013 version
    • Excel Online
      SUM is compatible with Excel Online Excel functions optimized for use in the web-based Excel Online platform
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Excel 2016
      INDEX_MATCH is compatible with Excel 2016 Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2016 version
    • Excel 2013
      INDEX_MATCH is compatible with Excel 2013 Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2013 version

  • 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
    XLOOKUP
    • Excel Online
      XLOOKUP runs on Excel Online Excel functions available in the online version of Excel

  • Required Arguments Count 🔢
    Number of mandatory arguments needed for the function to work properly
    SUM
    XLOOKUP
    INDEX_MATCH

  • 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
    • Range
      Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations
    SUM
    • Array
      SUM accepts Array as input types Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
    XLOOKUP
    • Text
      XLOOKUP accepts Text as input types Excel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Array
      INDEX_MATCH accepts Array as input types Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations

Evaluation Comparison

  • Pros ✅
    Key advantages and strengths of the Excel function
    SUM
    • Easy To Use
    • Widely Recognized
    • Versatile
    • Fast Calculation
    XLOOKUP
    • Dynamic Array Support
      Functions that support dynamic array operations and spilling
    • Handles Errors Gracefully
    • Bi-Directional Lookup
    INDEX_MATCH
    • More Flexible Than VLOOKUP
    • Can Search Both Ways
    • Better Performance
    • Column Independent

  • Cons ❌
    Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel function
    SUM
    • Limited To Numbers Only
    • Cannot Handle Text
    • No Text Handling
    XLOOKUP
    • Complex Syntax For Beginners
    • Limited Backward Compatibility
    • Not Available In Older Versions
    • Complex For Beginners
    INDEX_MATCH
    • Requires Two Functions
    • Steeper Learning Curve
    • Complex Syntax

Ratings Comparison

Alternatives to SUM
MATCH
Known for Position Finding
IF
Known for Conditional Statements
VLOOKUP
Known for Vertical Data Search
🔢 needs fewer arguments than XLOOKUP
FILTER
Known for Advanced Filtering
INDEX
Known for Advanced Data Retrieval
FIND
Known for Text Search And Position Finding
LOOKUP
Known for Simple Vertical And Horizontal Lookups
HLOOKUP
Known for Horizontal Data Lookup
🔢 needs fewer arguments than XLOOKUP
SUBSTITUTE
Known for Replace Specific Text
AVERAGEIF
Known for Conditional Average Calculations