For many, the INDEX-XMATCH combination in Excel is the go-to method for retrieving a value from a dataset. However, you can ...

INDEX with XMATCH returns an item from a range or array according to the first or last match it finds. Like XLOOKUP, it works with vertical and horizontal datasets, can search in any direction, and ...

In Excel, the INDEX function returns an item from a specific position (in a list, table, database). The MATCH function returns the position of a value (in a list, table, database).

When you dive into the world of Excel, you quickly realize the power of its functions. Among these, the INDEX & MATCH formulas stand out as incredibly versatile tools for data lookup and retrieval.

This guide explores key Excel functions—FILTER, XLOOKUP, SUMIFS, INDEX-MATCH, and VLOOKUP—detailing their unique strengths, practical applications, and potential limitations.

Set the fifth parameter [match_mode] to 1 and if there isn’t an exact match you will get the next largest result; -1 fetches the next smallest item.