Excel is a powerful tool that offers several functions to simplify data manipulation and analysis. Two commonly used functions are INDEX and MATCH. In this article, we will explore the applications of these functions separately and then combined. This combination provides an interesting alternative to the popular VLOOKUP function. Let’s dive in!
The INDEX Function
The INDEX function in Excel returns the value located at a given intersection within an array. It requires three inputs:
- The array where the function will operate.
- The row number.
- The column number.
For example, if we select an array and specify the row argument as 5 and the column argument as 2, the INDEX function will return the value at the intersection of the fifth row and second column of the selected range.
The MATCH Function
On the other hand, the MATCH function in Excel returns the relative position of an item within an array. It requires two inputs:
- The lookup value.
- The array where the lookup value’s position needs to be found.
For example, if we use the MATCH function to find the position of “Milan” within a range of teams, it will return 2, indicating that “Milan” is in the second position within the selected array.
Combining INDEX and MATCH
The true power of INDEX and MATCH lies in their combination. This combination provides users with a flexible lookup value within the source table. By using the relative positions obtained from the MATCH function, we can extract specific data using the INDEX function.
Let’s consider an example where we have two tables. The left table is our source table, and the right table needs to be filled using the combination of INDEX and MATCH functions.
First, we apply the MATCH function to each blank cell in the right table to determine the positions of the lookup values within the source table.
Next, we use the INDEX function to extract the corresponding data based on the positions obtained from the MATCH function.
This combination of INDEX and MATCH is widely considered superior to the traditional VLOOKUP function because it allows for more flexibility in lookup values and works even when the lookup value is on the right.
FAQs
Q: How does the INDEX function work?
A: The INDEX function takes as its input an array and the coordinates of the desired cell within that array. It then returns the value located at that intersection.
Q: What does the MATCH function do?
A: The MATCH function returns the relative position of an item within an array. It helps find the position of the lookup value within a given range.
Q: Why is the combination of INDEX and MATCH preferred over VLOOKUP?
A: The combination of INDEX and MATCH offers more flexibility in lookup values and works even when the lookup value is on the right.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the applications of the INDEX and MATCH functions in Excel can greatly enhance your data manipulation and analysis capabilities. By combining these functions, you can achieve more flexible and accurate lookups within your source table. Try using INDEX and MATCH in your next Excel project and experience their power firsthand.
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