INDEX MATCH vs VLOOKUP: Which is Better? (2025)
Quick Answer: INDEX MATCH is better: searches any direction, no column counting, faster. VLOOKUP simpler for basic tasks. Formula: =INDEX(C:C,MATCH(A2,B:B,0)) vs =VLOOKUP(A2,B:C,2,0). Use XLOOKUP in Excel 365 for easiest solution.
INDEX MATCH vs VLOOKUP: The Basics
Both INDEX MATCH and VLOOKUP find and return data from tables, but INDEX MATCH is more flexible and powerful. VLOOKUP is simpler for basic tasks, while INDEX MATCH excels in complex scenarios.
INDEX MATCH
=INDEX(return_range,
MATCH(lookup_value,
lookup_range, 0))Two functions combined: MATCH finds position, INDEX returns value
VLOOKUP
=VLOOKUP(lookup_value,
table_array,
col_index, 0)Single function: searches first column, returns from specified column
📌 Key Advantages of INDEX MATCH
- • Bi-directional lookup: Return data from left of lookup column (VLOOKUP can't do this)
- • Column flexibility: Add/remove columns without breaking formulas
- • Performance: 10-30% faster with 10,000+ rows
- • Two-way lookups: Combine with second MATCH for row+column lookup
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | INDEX MATCH | VLOOKUP |
|---|---|---|
| Search Direction | Any direction (left/right/up/down) | Left-to-right only |
| Column Changes | Dynamic, adapts automatically | Breaks, needs manual update |
| Performance (10K+ rows) | 10-30% faster | Slower, scans full table |
| Syntax Complexity | More complex (nested) | Simpler (single function) |
| Two-way Lookup | Yes, with double MATCH | No |
Use INDEX MATCH When:
- • Need to search left (return data before lookup column)
- • Table structure changes frequently
- • Working with large datasets (performance matters)
- • Need two-way lookups (row AND column)
- • Building professional, maintainable spreadsheets
Use VLOOKUP When:
- • Simple left-to-right lookup
- • Small dataset (<1000 rows)
- • Quick one-time task
- • Team familiar with VLOOKUP only
- • Sharing with Excel 2019 users (or use XLOOKUP)
Practical Examples
Example 1: Basic Lookup (Both Work)
Task: Find salary from employee table (ID in col A, Salary in col C)
INDEX MATCH:
=INDEX(C:C, MATCH(E2, A:A, 0))
VLOOKUP:
=VLOOKUP(E2, A:C, 3, 0)
Result: Both return the same salary value
Example 2: Left Lookup (Only INDEX MATCH Works)
Task: Find ID from Name (Name in col B, ID in col A - left of lookup)
INDEX MATCH:
=INDEX(A:A, MATCH(E2, B:B, 0))
✓ Works perfectly!
VLOOKUP:
=VLOOKUP(E2, B:A, -1, 0)
✗ VLOOKUP can't look left
Example 3: Two-Way Lookup (Matrix)
Task: Find value in matrix by row and column headers
INDEX MATCH (Double):
=INDEX(B2:F10, MATCH(H2, A2:A10, 0), MATCH(H3, B1:F1, 0))
✓ Finds row AND column
VLOOKUP:
// NOT POSSIBLE // Need complex workaround
✗ Can't do matrix lookups
Example 4: Dynamic Columns
Scenario: Someone inserts a new column between A and C
INDEX MATCH:
=INDEX(C:C, MATCH(E2, A:A, 0))
✓ Still works! C:C adjusts automatically
VLOOKUP:
=VLOOKUP(E2, A:C, 3, 0)
✗ BREAKS! Column 3 is now wrong
💡 Pro Tip: XLOOKUP (Excel 365)
If you have Excel 365, XLOOKUP combines the best of both:
=XLOOKUP(E2, A:A, C:C)
✓ Simpler than INDEX MATCH ✓ More powerful than VLOOKUP ✓ Best choice for Excel 365 users
Frequently Asked Questions
Is INDEX MATCH really worth the extra complexity?
Yes, if you work with Excel regularly. The 5 minutes to learn INDEX MATCH saves hours of fixing broken VLOOKUP formulas when columns change. It's also essential for left lookups and two-way lookups that VLOOKUP can't handle.
Can I mix INDEX MATCH and VLOOKUP in the same workbook?
Yes! Use VLOOKUP for simple left-to-right lookups where the structure won't change, and INDEX MATCH for everything else. Many professionals use both depending on the situation.
Why is INDEX MATCH faster than VLOOKUP?
MATCH searches only the lookup column (e.g., A:A), then INDEX retrieves from the return column (e.g., C:C). VLOOKUP scans the entire table range (A:C) for every lookup. With 10,000+ rows, this difference becomes significant (10-30% faster).
How do I convert VLOOKUP to INDEX MATCH?
Convert =VLOOKUP(E2, A:C, 3, 0) to =INDEX(C:C, MATCH(E2, A:A, 0)). Pattern: INDEX(return_column, MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_column, 0)). The column index (3) becomes the return column reference (C:C).
Can INDEX MATCH return multiple values?
Not directly, but you can use INDEX MATCH with SMALL and IF array formulas to return multiple matches. In Excel 365, use FILTER function instead for returning multiple values.
Does INDEX MATCH work with approximate match?
Yes, use MATCH's third argument: 0 (exact), 1 (less than or equal), -1 (greater than or equal). Example: =INDEX(C:C, MATCH(E2, A:A, 1)) for approximate match. Data must be sorted for approximate match.