Last answered:

26 May 2023

Posted on:

25 Jan 2022

0

Resolved: Doubt regarding Match and Index combined.

Please see in the formula bar that I fixed rows for index and left columns dynamically(A$2:E$7), but excel is asking me to add column number too (blue arrow in the picture) otherwise it is showing " #REF! ". I don't understand why I should add the column number as it doesn't affect my final answer even though I copy the same formula in different cells without changing the column number.Please see the blue arrow in the pic for reference.

6 answers ( 1 marked as helpful)
Instructor
Posted on:

25 Jan 2022

1

Hello,
Good to hear from you.
In this case, you have selected the array from A2 to E7. This is a rectangular shape, which contains rows and columns. The INDEX function requires you to specify a row number (which you obtain with MATCH), but also a column number (for which you need a second MATCH function in this case). If you don't specify the column number, Excel wouldn't know which cell should be selected from the respective row specified with the first MATCH function.
Hope this makes sense!
Best,
Ned

Posted on:

25 Jan 2022

0

Thanks for replying, I understand that we should give column number in the formula but in the video you didn't too gave any column number in your example and it worked in the video. So I guess I am missing something. Please explain.image

Instructor
Posted on:

25 Jan 2022

2

Please pay attention that in the video, as the first argument of the INDEX function i've selected only one column. So, MATCH doesn't need a column number- this is only 1 column. In your case, this isn't valid. You've selected multiple columns in the first argument of INDEX.

Posted on:

25 Jan 2022

0

Got it, my bad. Thank You.

Posted on:

26 May 2023

0

In the video Ned you drag with your cursor the Function and it applies in all other cells/columns. in my version though it doesnt seem to work with such a broad spectrum. could it be a version limitation?

Instructor
Posted on:

26 May 2023

2

Hi Panagiotis,

I haven't noticed such a difference between versions but you might be right.. If you repeat what I am doing and it can't be done, then it's probably a change that was made by Microsoft.

Best,

Ned

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