Using MATCH and INDEX Instead of VLOOKUP: Why It’s More Powerful

VLOOKUP has long been a go-to formula in Google Sheets — but what if there’s a smarter, more flexible way? That’s where INDEX and MATCH come in. When used together, these functions can do everything VLOOKUP does — and a whole lot more.

If you’re new to Google Sheets or spreadsheets in general, you might find VLOOKUP a bit limited, especially when your data changes frequently or when you need to look to the left of your lookup column. With INDEX and MATCH, you get full control — and more accurate, dynamic results.

This guide will show you exactly how to use INDEX and MATCH with easy steps, real examples, and simple language — even if you’re just getting started.

What Are INDEX and MATCH?

• INDEX returns the value of a cell, given its row and column number in a range.
• MATCH finds the position of a value in a single row or column.

Together, they let you search for data anywhere — in any direction — with more accuracy than VLOOKUP.

Real-Life Example: Lookup Product Price by Name

Let’s say you’re running a small online store. You have a list of products with their names and prices. You want to enter a product name and automatically get the price — even if the column order changes later. This is where INDEX and MATCH truly shine.

Sample Product Table

Product ID	Product Name	Price
101	Wireless Mouse	$25
102	Keyboard	$45
103	Monitor	$150
104	USB Hub	$20

You want to enter “Keyboard” in a cell and get “$45” as a result.

How to Use INDEX and MATCH Instead of VLOOKUP

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Type the product name in any cell (let’s say E2):

   Keyboard

2. Use this formula to get the price:

   =INDEX(C2:C5, MATCH(E2, B2:B5, 0))

3. Explanation:
   • C2:C5 = range where prices are listed
   • B2:B5 = range to search for the product name
   • E2 = the cell with the product you typed
   • MATCH finds the row number, INDEX returns the price

Result:

The formula will return $45 — the correct price for “Keyboard.”

Why INDEX + MATCH Is More Powerful Than VLOOKUP

• Flexible Lookup Direction: You can look left, right, up, or down. VLOOKUP can’t look to the left.
• More Resilient: If you insert a column, INDEX/MATCH still works. VLOOKUP breaks unless you update the column number.
• Dynamic Ranges: MATCH works well with dynamic arrays, sorting, and filtered lists.
• More Accurate: VLOOKUP defaults to approximate match unless set to exact. MATCH forces you to be specific.

Advanced Example: Two-Way Lookup (Row + Column)

Let’s say you have a price matrix for products across different regions:

Product Price Matrix

Product	USA	UK	India
Wireless Mouse	25	30	2000
Keyboard	45	50	3500
Monitor	150	170	12000

To find the price of “Keyboard” in “UK”:

1. Put Keyboard in F2, and UK in G2
2. Use this formula:

=INDEX(B2:D4, MATCH(F2, A2:A4, 0), MATCH(G2, B1:D1, 0))

Result: 50 (Price of Keyboard in UK)

Pro Tips

• Use IFERROR() to handle missing data gracefully:
  =IFERROR(INDEX(...), "Not Found")
• Wrap ARRAYFORMULA() around INDEX + MATCH to apply to entire columns.
• Use with IMPORTRANGE() to match data across different spreadsheets.

Quick-Reference Cheat Sheet

Task	Formula
Simple Lookup	=INDEX(ResultRange, MATCH(SearchKey, SearchRange, 0))
Two-Way Lookup	=INDEX(Table, MATCH(RowKey, RowRange, 0), MATCH(ColKey, ColRange, 0))
With Error Handling	=IFERROR(INDEX(...), "Not Found")

If you’ve relied on VLOOKUP your whole spreadsheet life, switching to INDEX and MATCH might seem intimidating at first — but once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever worked without it. It’s faster, more accurate, and way more flexible. Plus, it opens the door to advanced techniques that just aren’t possible with VLOOKUP.

Next time you need to look up data in Google Sheets, go ahead — give INDEX and MATCH a shot!