XLOOKUP VS INDEX MATCH: Which is better and why? (2024)

In this article, we are going to make a comparison for XLOOKUP vs INDEX MATCH in Excel. Which is better and why?

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For many years, VLOOKUP is definitely one of the most common functions in Excel. But as it has many deficits, pro Excel users prefer INDEX-MATCH combination instead of VLOOKUP function. But recently, Microsoft Excel has introduced XLOOKUP function to overcome the limitations of classic vertical and horizontal lookup functions, VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP.

So, can this XLOOKUP function beat INDEX MATCH combination?

Let’s see!

Table Of Content

1. Excel XLOOKUP Function
2. Excel INDEX MATCH FORMULA
3. XLOOKUP vs. INDEX MATCH Comparison
4. Additional Questions to Experts
5. Conclusion

1. Excel XLOOKUP Function

Introduced recently in Excel, the XLOOKUP function is designed to be a more straightforward and flexible replacement for older functions like VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP. So, the new XLOOKUP allows users to search a range to find the right item, and return a value from another range.

How to Build XLOOKUP Function

First, we’ll try to understand how to build a XLOOKUP formula.

XLOOKUP Syntax:

= XLOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_array, return_array, [if_not_found], [match_mode], [search_mode])

2. Excel INDEX MATCH FORMULA

INDEX MATCH is a combination of two functions, INDEX and MATCH, which together make dynamic lookups.

Syntax:

INDEX(array, row_num, [column_num])
MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_array, [match_type])

So, the INDEX Formula brings you the value in a range with a specific row and column number. Here, the MATCH function helps you to define the order and column numbers, searching for the lookup value in the lookup array. Also similar to XLOOKUP, this also lets you to select the match type as exact or approximate.

Check out our INDEX () and MATCH () tutorials to learn more about these functions.

How to build INDEX MATCH formula?

To build an Index-Match combination, first select your array/range, then build match formula for the row, and if needed build another match formula to define the column number.

Here’s the same example as the above XLOOKUP function, this time the solution is set with INDEX-MATCH

So, both XLOOKUP and INDEX MATCH can be used to solve this lookup questions. Now, let’s compare them.

3. XLOOKUP vs. INDEX MATCH Comparison

While both functions achieve similar outcomes, they differ significantly in usability and flexibility.

Ease of Use: XLOOKUP is generally easier to write and read, with a more intuitive syntax.
Performance: INDEX MATCH can be slightly faster in large datasets because it only searches one dimension at a time. But this can differ according to your data set.
Compatibility: INDEX MATCH is available in older Excel versions, whereas XLOOKUP is not.
Reverse order search: Both options let reverse order search, but you should use XMATCH instead of ordinary MATCH if you want to make reverse order search.
Left, right, horizontal, vertical lookups: Both options let all kind of lookups. This is the superior advantage of these options over the classic lookup functions.
Formula readability: As INDEX MATCH has a more complex syntax, the XLOOKUP might be easier in terms of formula readability, debug and troubleshoot.
Flexibility: Both options provide you a high level of flexibility in terms of both search and match modes.

Additionally, we can go in deeper assessment in a comparison table:

Thus, this is a summary of the comparison between XLOOKUP function and INDEX MATCH combination.

4. Additional Questions to Experts

So, you might have still questions in your mind. Let us try to answer some of them:

Is INDEX MATCH Faster than XLOOKUP?

INDEX MATCH can be faster in very large datasets or complex spreadsheets due to its ability to handle one dimension at a time, reducing computational load.

Can XLOOKUP Replace INDEX MATCH?

Yes, in most practical scenarios, XLOOKUP can replace INDEX MATCH with its simpler syntax and additional features. However, it is not available in Excel versions prior to 2020. This is an important limitation of XLOOKUP, as many users still has the older versions.

Which is better then, the XLOOKUP or INDEX MATCH?

Actually, the choice depends on your specific needs:

For newer Excel users or those with access to the latest updates, XLOOKUP is recommended for its simplicity and improved functionality. And for those working with older Excel versions or large datasets, INDEX MATCH remains a robust option.

*IN SUMMARY: If you're using Excel 2019 or older and/or you have a big data set, you can prefer INDEX MATCH. However, if you have Excel 2021 or Excel 365, or your data is sorted and/or you're working with a smaller dataset, then you can prefer XLOOKUP function.

5. Conclusion

In this article, we have tried to compare XLOOKUP vs INDEX MATCH as lookup options in Excel.

While XLOOKUP is a powerful addition to Excel’s function arsenal, offering simplicity and enhanced functionality, INDEX MATCH continues to be invaluable for those using older versions or dealing with massive datasets. So, your choice will depend on your specific circ*mstances, including the version of Excel you are using and the complexity of your data needs.

However, the best thing is to know both options with pros and cons and select the right one for changing circ*mstances.

Hope you enjoy this article!

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