Compact mode
INDEX_MATCH vs VLOOKUP 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*INDEX_MATCHVLOOKUP- Business ManagersVLOOKUP is designed for Business Managers. Excel functions helpful for business management and decision making Click to see all.
- Administrative StaffVLOOKUP is designed for Administrative Staff. Excel functions useful for administrative tasks and data management Click to see all.
INDIRECTPurpose 📝
Primary purposes and use cases of the Excel functionINDEX_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.
VLOOKUP- Data LookupVLOOKUP is used for Data Lookup. Functions for finding and retrieving specific data Click to see all.
- Data AnalysisVLOOKUP 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 functionINDEX_MATCH- Two-Way Lookup PowerINDEX_MATCH is known for Two-Way Lookup Power.
VLOOKUP- Vertical Data SearchVLOOKUP is known for Vertical Data Search.
INDIRECT- Dynamic Cell ReferencesINDIRECT is known for Dynamic Cell References.
History Comparison
Facts Comparison
Interesting Fact 💡
Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel functionINDEX_MATCH- Used in 80% of advanced Excel formulas
VLOOKUP- Often confused with HLOOKUP
INDIRECT- Can create circular references easily
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionINDEX_MATCH- The relationship status of Excel functions: It's complicated
VLOOKUP- The function everyone pretends to understand
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 effectivelyINDEX_MATCHVLOOKUPINDIRECT
Technical Details Comparison
Input Data Type 📝
Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parametersINDEX_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.
VLOOKUP- TextVLOOKUP accepts Text as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for text manipulation Click to see all.
- NumberVLOOKUP accepts Number as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for numerical calculations 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*- 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
INDEX_MATCHVLOOKUPOperating 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
INDEX_MATCHVLOOKUPRequired Arguments Count 🔢
Number of mandatory arguments needed for the function to work properlyINDEX_MATCHVLOOKUPINDIRECTRequired Arguments Type 📊
The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the functionINDEX_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.
VLOOKUP- RangeVLOOKUP accepts Range as input types Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations Click to see all.
- TextVLOOKUP accepts Text as input types Excel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing Click to see all.
- NumberVLOOKUP accepts Number as input types Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs Click to see all.
- BooleanVLOOKUP accepts Boolean as input types Excel functions that work with true/false logical inputs for decision-making Click to see all.
INDIRECT
Evaluation Comparison
Pros ✅
Key advantages and strengths of the Excel functionINDEX_MATCH- More Flexible Than VLOOKUP
- Can Search Both Ways
- Better Performance
- Column Independent
VLOOKUP- Powerful Search Capability
- Flexible Matching
- Powerful Search
- Common In Business
INDIRECT- Flexible Referencing
- Dynamic Range Selection
Cons ❌
Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel functionINDEX_MATCH- Requires Two Functions
- Steeper Learning Curve
- Complex Syntax
VLOOKUP- Left To Right Only
- Can Be Slow With Large DatasetsFunctions that process large amounts of data may significantly impact spreadsheet performance Click to see all.
- Right-Only SearchFunctions that can only search from right to left in text Click to see all.
- Can Be Slow
INDIRECT- Performance Intensive
- Complex Syntax
Ratings Comparison
Versatility Score 📈
Rating for function's adaptability to different scenariosINDEX_MATCHVLOOKUPINDIRECTPerformance Score ⚙
Rating for function's execution speed and efficiencyINDEX_MATCHVLOOKUPINDIRECTReliability Score 🛠
Rating for function's consistency and error handlingINDEX_MATCHVLOOKUPINDIRECT
Alternatives to INDEX_MATCH
MATCH
Known for Position Finding📊 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
XLOOKUP
Known for Dynamic Array Support📊 is easier to use than INDEX_MATCH
⭐ is rated higher 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