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MS Excel: Working with INDEX + MATCH (Beginner to Advanced) Explained

  • 5 days ago
  • 2 min read

The combination of INDEX and MATCH is one of the most powerful lookup methods in Excel. While many users rely on VLOOKUP, INDEX + MATCH offers greater flexibility, accuracy, and control — especially in advanced spreadsheets.


If you want to move from intermediate to advanced Excel skills, this is an essential technique to master.


Step 1: Understanding MATCH (Beginner Level)


The MATCH function finds the position of a value within a range.


Structure:

=MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_array, match_type)

Example:

=MATCH("John", A2:A20, 0)

This returns the row position where “John” appears in the range.


The 0 ensures an exact match.


Step 2: Understanding INDEX (Beginner Level)


The INDEX function returns a value from a specified position in a range.


Structure:

=INDEX(array, row_number)

Example:

=INDEX(B2:B20, 5)

This returns the value in the 5th row of the range.


Step 3: Combining INDEX + MATCH (Intermediate Level)


When combined, MATCH finds the position, and INDEX returns the corresponding value.


Structure:

=INDEX(return_range, MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_range, 0))

Example:

=INDEX(B2:B20, MATCH("John", A2:A20, 0))

This:


  1. Finds “John” in column A

  2. Returns the matching value from column B


Unlike VLOOKUP, INDEX + MATCH:


  • Can look left or right

  • Is not restricted by column order

  • Is more stable in large datasets


Step 4: Two-Way Lookups (Advanced Level)


You can use MATCH twice to create a two-dimensional lookup.


Example:

=INDEX(B2:E10, 
       MATCH("John", A2:A10, 0),
       MATCH("Sales", B1:E1, 0))

This:


  • Finds the correct row

  • Finds the correct column

  • Returns the intersecting value


This is extremely powerful in financial models and reporting dashboards.


Step 5: Advanced Tips


✔ Combine with IFERROR to handle missing values

✔ Use with Named Ranges for cleaner formulas

✔ Works well in large datasets

✔ More flexible than VLOOKUP


Example with error handling:

=IFERROR(INDEX(B2:B20, MATCH(A2, A2:A20, 0)), "Not Found")

Why INDEX + MATCH Matters


This method is widely used in:


  • Financial modelling

  • Budget reporting

  • Large database lookups

  • Dashboard creation

  • Advanced Excel roles


It demonstrates strong technical Excel ability.


Final Thoughts


While VLOOKUP is simpler for beginners, INDEX + MATCH provides greater flexibility and professional-level control. Learning this method moves you from standard Excel use to advanced data handling.


If you can confidently use INDEX + MATCH, you are operating at an advanced Excel level.

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