Comparing VLOOKUP and INDEX-MATCH
When working with Excel, especially with large datasets, the ability to efficiently find and retrieve data is crucial. Two common lookup tools are VLOOKUP and INDEX-MATCH . While both can achieve similar results, they differ significantly in terms of functionality, flexibility, and performance. Let's break down the key differences to help you choose the right one for your tasks. Feature VLOOKUP INDEX-MATCH Basic Function Searches for a value in the first column and returns a value in the same row from another column. Uses the combination of INDEX (returns a value from a specific row and column) and MATCH (finds the position of a value in a range). Syntax =VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup]) =INDEX(range, MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_range, [match_type])) Direction of Lookup Left to right only. Flexible: left to right, right to left, or vertical. Column Inde