INDEX Function Excel & Sheets
Master INDEX to retrieve values from specific positions in arrays. Learn array manipulation with practical examples and solutions.
Excel
Google SheetsExcelGoogle Sheets=INDEX(array, row_num, [column_num])Practical Examples
Basic Single Cell Retrieval
Extract a specific value from row 3 of a single-column range
Two-Dimensional Array Lookup
Retrieve quarterly revenue from a sales matrix
Dynamic Row Selection with MATCH
Combine INDEX with MATCH for flexible lookups
Last Value in Dynamic Range
Find the last non-empty value in a growing list
Array Formula for Multiple Results
Extract multiple values at once using array constants
Cross-Sheet Reference
Retrieve data from another worksheet
Common Errors and Solutions
INDEX references invalid cells
The row_num or column_num exceeds the array boundaries
1. Check that row_num doesn't exceed total rows in array 2. Verify column_num doesn't exceed total columns 3. Use ROWS() and COLUMNS() functions to validate 4. Implement bounds checking with IF statement
Always validate position parameters are within array bounds before using INDEX
Example:
INDEX receives non-numeric position
Row or column parameters contain text or error values instead of numbers
1. Ensure row_num and column_num are numeric 2. Use VALUE() to convert text numbers 3. Check for hidden spaces with TRIM() 4. Validate inputs with ISNUMBER()
Validate all position inputs are numeric before passing to INDEX
Example:
INDEX combined with MATCH fails
MATCH function returns #N/A which INDEX cannot process
1. Wrap MATCH in IFNA or IFERROR 2. Verify lookup value exists in MATCH range 3. Check for data type mismatches 4. Use exact match (0) in MATCH when appropriate
Always handle MATCH errors when using INDEX-MATCH combination
Example:
INDEX returns unexpected value
Confusion between 0-based and 1-based indexing or incorrect range selection
1. Remember INDEX uses 1-based indexing (first row = 1) 2. Verify the array range starts where expected 3. Check if headers are included unintentionally 4. Use absolute references to prevent range shifting
Always use 1-based counting and clearly define array boundaries
Example:
Advanced Tips and Techniques
For large datasets over 100,000 rows, INDEX is 3-5x faster than VLOOKUP. Use INDEX with pre-sorted data and binary search (approximate match) for maximum speed.
In Excel 365, combine INDEX with SEQUENCE to extract patterns: =INDEX(A:A, SEQUENCE(5, 1, 2, 3)) extracts every 3rd row starting from row 2.
Remember that INDEX returns a reference, not just a value. This means you can use it with other reference functions like SUM(INDEX(...):INDEX(...)) for dynamic ranges.
Google Sheets' INDEX function supports array formulas natively with ARRAYFORMULA wrapper, while Excel requires Ctrl+Shift+Enter for older versions or dynamic arrays in 365.
Always wrap INDEX in IFERROR when positions might be invalid, especially with dynamic row/column calculations. Return meaningful defaults instead of errors.
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Example Excel formula:
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