Compact mode
XLOOKUP vs INDEX_MATCH vs INDIRECT
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 typesFor all*Operation Type 🔧
Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputsFor all*
Usage Context Comparison
For whom 👥
Target user groups who would benefit most from using this Excel functionFor all*XLOOKUPINDEX_MATCHINDIRECTPurpose 📝
Primary purposes and use cases of the Excel functionXLOOKUPINDEX_MATCH- Data LookupINDEX_MATCH is used for Data Lookup. Functions for finding and retrieving specific data Click to see all.
- Data AnalysisINDEX_MATCH is used for Data Analysis. Functions specifically designed for analyzing data Click to see all.
INDIRECT
Basic Information Comparison
Known For ⭐
Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel functionXLOOKUP- Dynamic Array SupportXLOOKUP is known for Dynamic Array Support.
INDEX_MATCH- Two-Way Lookup PowerINDEX_MATCH is known for Two-Way Lookup Power.
INDIRECT- Dynamic Cell ReferencesINDIRECT is known for Dynamic Cell References.
History Comparison
Facts Comparison
Interesting Fact 💡
Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel functionXLOOKUP- First major update to lookup functions in 20 years
INDEX_MATCH- Used in 80% of advanced Excel formulas
INDIRECT- Can create circular references easily
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionXLOOKUP- Makes VLOOKUP feel like using a flip phone in 2024
INDEX_MATCH- The relationship status of Excel functions: It's complicated
INDIRECT- The function that makes Excel question its life choices
Usage Information Comparison
Formula Complexity Level 📖
Indicates the difficulty level and complexity of using the Excel function effectivelyFor all*
Technical Details Comparison
Input Data Type 📝
Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parametersXLOOKUP- TextXLOOKUP accepts Text as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for text manipulation Click to see all.
- NumberXLOOKUP accepts Number as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for numerical calculations Click to see all.
INDEX_MATCH- ArrayINDEX_MATCH accepts Array as input data. Excel functions designed to work with arrays and ranges of data Click to see all.
- RangeINDEX_MATCH accepts Range as input data. Excel functions that operate on cell ranges and data sets Click to see all.
INDIRECTVersion Compatibility 💻
Indicates which Excel versions and platforms the function is compatible with < including Office 365< Excel 2019< 2016< etc.For all*XLOOKUPINDEX_MATCH- Excel 2016INDEX_MATCH is compatible with Excel 2016 Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2016 version Click to see all.
- Excel 2013INDEX_MATCH is compatible with Excel 2013 Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2013 version Click to see all.
- Microsoft 365INDEX_MATCH is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform Click to see all.
INDIRECTOperating 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
XLOOKUP- Excel OnlineXLOOKUP runs on Excel Online Excel functions available in the online version of Excel Click to see all.
- Web ExcelXLOOKUP runs on Web Excel Excel functions available in web-based versions Click to see all.
INDEX_MATCHRequired Arguments Count 🔢
Number of mandatory arguments needed for the function to work properlyXLOOKUPINDEX_MATCHINDIRECTRequired Arguments Type 📊
The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the functionXLOOKUP- RangeXLOOKUP accepts Range as input types Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations Click to see all.
- TextXLOOKUP accepts Text as input types Excel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing Click to see all.
- NumberXLOOKUP accepts Number as input types Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs Click to see all.
INDEX_MATCH- RangeINDEX_MATCH accepts Range as input types Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations Click to see all.
- NumberINDEX_MATCH accepts Number as input types Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs Click to see all.
- ArrayINDEX_MATCH accepts Array as input types Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations Click to see all.
INDIRECT
Evaluation Comparison
Pros ✅
Key advantages and strengths of the Excel functionXLOOKUP- Dynamic Array SupportFunctions that support dynamic array operations and spilling Click to see all.
- Handles Errors Gracefully
- Bi-Directional Lookup
INDEX_MATCH- More Flexible Than VLOOKUP
- Can Search Both Ways
- Better Performance
- Column Independent
INDIRECT- Flexible Referencing
- Dynamic Range Selection
Cons ❌
Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel functionXLOOKUP- 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
INDIRECT- Performance Intensive
- Complex Syntax
Ratings Comparison
Versatility Score 📈
Rating for function's adaptability to different scenariosXLOOKUPINDEX_MATCHINDIRECTPerformance Score ⚙
Rating for function's execution speed and efficiencyXLOOKUPINDEX_MATCHINDIRECTReliability Score 🛠
Rating for function's consistency and error handlingXLOOKUPINDEX_MATCHINDIRECT
Alternatives to XLOOKUP
MATCH
Known for Position Finding📊 is easier to use than INDEX_MATCH
VLOOKUP
Known for Vertical Data Search🔢 needs fewer arguments than INDEX_MATCH
📊 is easier to use than INDEX_MATCH
SUMIFS
Known for Multiple Condition Sum📊 is easier to use than INDEX_MATCH
COUNT
Known for Counting Numeric Cells📊 is easier to use than INDEX_MATCH
COUNTIFS
Known for Multiple Criteria Counting📊 is easier to use than INDEX_MATCH
SUM
Known for Basic Arithmetic Calculations📊 is easier to use than INDEX_MATCH
🛠 is more reliable than INDEX_MATCH
⭐ is rated higher than INDEX_MATCH
HLOOKUP
Known for Horizontal Data Lookup🔢 needs fewer arguments than INDEX_MATCH