Compact mode
INDEX vs 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*INDEXMATCHINDIRECT
Basic Information Comparison
Known For ⭐
Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel functionINDEX- Advanced Data RetrievalINDEX is known for Advanced Data Retrieval.
MATCH- Position FindingMATCH is known for Position Finding.
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- Often used with MATCH function
MATCH- Best friend of INDEX
INDIRECT- Can create circular references easily
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionINDEX- The function that makes VLOOKUP feel simple
MATCH- The function that plays hide and seek
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 effectivelyINDEXMATCHINDIRECT
Technical Details Comparison
Input Data Type 📝
Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parametersINDEX- ArrayINDEX accepts Array as input data. Excel functions designed to work with arrays and ranges of data Click to see all.
- RangeINDEX accepts Range as input data. Excel functions that operate on cell ranges and data sets Click to see all.
MATCH- TextMATCH accepts Text as input data. Excel functions specifically designed for text manipulation Click to see all.
- NumberMATCH 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- Microsoft 365INDEX is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform Click to see all.
- Excel OnlineINDEX is compatible with Excel Online Excel functions optimized for use in the web-based Excel Online platform Click to see all.
MATCHOperating 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
INDEXMATCHRequired Arguments Count 🔢
Number of mandatory arguments needed for the function to work properlyINDEXMATCHINDIRECTRequired Arguments Type 📊
The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the functionINDEX- ArrayINDEX accepts Array as input types Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations Click to see all.
- NumberINDEX accepts Number as input types Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs Click to see all.
MATCH- RangeMATCH accepts Range as input types Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations Click to see all.
- TextMATCH accepts Text as input types Excel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing Click to see all.
- NumberMATCH accepts Number as input types Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs Click to see all.
- ArrayMATCH 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 functionINDEX- Powerful With MATCHExcel functions working with MATCH enable powerful lookup and reference capabilities Click to see all.
- Flexible LookupExcel functions with flexible lookup capabilities enable versatile data searching and matching Click to see all.
- Very Flexible
- Fast Performance
- PowerfulPowerful Excel functions offer advanced capabilities for complex calculations and data manipulation Click to see all.
- Flexible
MATCH- Flexible Matching
- Works With INDEX
- Versatile Search
- Fast
INDIRECT- Flexible Referencing
- Dynamic Range Selection
Cons ❌
Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel functionFor all*- Complex Syntax
INDEX- Requires Understanding
- Complex For Beginners
- Requires Understanding Of Arrays
- Learning Curve
MATCH- Requires Sorted Data
- Requires Exact Matches
INDIRECT- Performance Intensive
Ratings Comparison
Alternatives to INDEX
VLOOKUP
Known for Vertical Data Search🔢 needs fewer arguments than MATCH
📈 is more versatile 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
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
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