VLOOKUP vs INDEX/MATCH: The Hottest Debate in Excel

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Today I had to formally weigh in on the debate between VLOOKUP and INDEX/MATCH. This argument has gone on for years, and last week I heard strains of it rising up again. So, here’s what I say:

VLOOKUP is a tool. INDEX/MATCH is a tool. VLOOKUP has weaknesses, e.g., it’s easy to break, and it can’t do lookups to the left. Conversely, INDEX/MATCH is undoubtedly more robust. But it’s actually a function nested inside another function. That makes it awkward to work with.

They’re both legitimate choices. The problem comes up with the INDEX/MATCH zealots who call for the Excel developers at Microsoft to eliminate VLOOKUP. They are proud to post things like, “I haven’t used VLOOKUP in 10 years” and insist that VLOOKUP shouldn’t be taught to beginners because it’s a bad habit.

Basically, they’ve turned INDEX/MATCH into a religion … and they’re viciously recruiting new members.

My video makes 3 points:
1. VLOOKUP and INDEX/MATCH are tools. Period.
2. Your own context dictates which tool to use.
3. Don’t listen to the INDEX/MATCH insurgents. BOOO!

For an intro to Get & Transform (Power Query) try my Lynda/LinkedIn course:
https://www.linkedin.com/learning/instructors/oz-du-soleil?trk=insiders_28299411_learning
Website: https://ozdusoleil.com

My book: Guerrilla Data Analysis 2nd Edition
http://www.amazon.com/Guerrilla-Analysis-Using-Microsoft-Excel/dp/1615470336
My old blog: http://datascopic.net/blog-2-2