The combination of INDEX and MATCH is an interesting alternative to VLOOKUP with one major advantage—the lookup value doesn’t have to be in the leftmost column of the source table.

INDEX is a function which returns the value located at a given intersection within an array. MATCH returns the relative position of an item within an array. The INDEX function requires the number of the row within a range as an input. And we can find that number with the MATCH function. Simply put, MATCH indicates the position of the result, and the INDEX function extracts it.

Utilize our FREE template of INDEX and MATCH—an essential resource for individuals in financial analysis, business analysis, statistical work, and for those working with spreadsheet programs.

Elevate your abilities with our Introduction to Excel course, crafted to significantly boost your skills in managing spreadsheets.

You can explore additional templates including VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, and HLOOKUP to expand your understanding of Excel.