Vlookup vs. Index/Match (1 Viewer)

Spence · Nov 26, 2008

I have used both these functions extensivley, but I cannnot see a benefit of using one over the other. Does anyone know the relative strengths and weaknesses of these two lookup options?

shades · Nov 26, 2008

Howdy. With VLOOKUP the column on the left has to be sorted for it to work properly. For INDEX/MATCH, there is no need to sort, and you can use any column to do the lookup. INDEX/MATCH is much more flexible.

Spence · Nov 26, 2008

Rich:
I thought VLOOKUP needed a sorted lookup column as well, though I have seen several examples where it as worked without being sorted. Good point on being able to use any column with the INDEX / MATCH.

Thanks for the reply!

qafself · Nov 26, 2008

VLOOKUP does not need the data to be sorted if you use false as the last parameter. It has the limitation that only colums to the left of the referred item can be 'looked up'

Index and match is more flexible but IMO takes a bit more learning.

Shades, nice to see you are still around and helping out!

shades · Nov 26, 2008

Howdy, Ed. As noted on another thread, with my new position (since April) I don't get here often, but I occasionally miss the work in Excel. Then I sit down, and it passes...

Brianwarnock · Nov 26, 2008

It has the limitation that only colums to the left of the referred item can be 'looked up'

Don't you mean right.

Brian

shades · Nov 26, 2008

Yes, I think that is what he means.

Vlookup vs. Index/Match (1 Viewer)

Spence

Trying to make it work

shades

Registered User.

Spence

Trying to make it work

qafself

Registered User.

shades

Registered User.

Brianwarnock

Retired

shades

Registered User.

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