Both INDEX MATCH and VLOOKUP are powerful lookup functions in Excel, LibreOffice Calc, and Google Sheets. But which one should you use? This guide compares them side-by-side.

VLOOKUP Overview

VLOOKUP searches vertically (down a column) and returns a value from another column in the same row.

=VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup])

INDEX MATCH Overview

INDEX MATCH combines two functions: INDEX returns a value from a specific position, and MATCH finds the position of a value.

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

Comparison Table

Feature	VLOOKUP	INDEX MATCH
Search Direction	Right only	Left or right
Column Insertion	Breaks if columns added	Still works
Performance	Slower on large datasets	Faster on large datasets
Flexibility	Limited	Very flexible
Ease of Use	Easier for beginners	Slightly more complex

When to Use VLOOKUP

• Simple lookups to the right
• You're a beginner learning Excel
• Your data structure won't change
• Quick one-time lookups

When to Use INDEX MATCH

• You need to search left (lookup column is to the right)
• Your table structure might change
• Working with large datasets
• You need maximum flexibility
• Professional Excel work

Example: Searching Left

VLOOKUP can't search left, but INDEX MATCH can:

// VLOOKUP - Can't do this (lookup column is to the right)
// INDEX MATCH - Can search left
=INDEX(A2:A10, MATCH(D2, B2:B10, 0))

Conclusion

While VLOOKUP is easier to learn, INDEX MATCH is more powerful and flexible. For professional work, INDEX MATCH is often the better choice. However, both have their place depending on your needs.