VLOOKUP requires the lookup column to be the leftmost column in your table. If you want to return data from a column to the LEFT of your lookup column, VLOOKUP cannot do it.
Problem 2: Breaks when columns are inserted
VLOOKUP uses col_index_num (a number like 3) to identify the return column. If you insert a column into your table, the number shifts and returns the wrong data silently — no error, just wrong results.
Problem 3: Slower on large datasets
VLOOKUP scans the entire table_array even if the match is in row 2. INDEX MATCH with a sorted list and match_type=1 can use binary search, making it significantly faster on 10,000+ row datasets.
Because you specify the return column directly (not as a position number), inserting or deleting columns never breaks the formula. And because the return column can be anywhere — left, right, or anywhere in between — left lookups work perfectly.
Side-by-Side: Same Lookup in Both
Returning a product name from column B where the product ID in column A matches D2:
Returning column A (to the LEFT of lookup column C):
INDEX MATCH left lookup
=INDEX(A:A, MATCH(D2, C:C, 0))
INDEX MATCH With Multiple Criteria
Two-condition lookup (Excel 365: no Ctrl+Shift+Enter needed)
=INDEX(C:C, MATCH(1, (A:A=E2)*(B:B=F2), 0))
When VLOOKUP Is Still Fine
Simple right-side lookup on a table that will never change structure
You are new to Excel and need to understand the basics first
Readability matters more than flexibility in a shared workbook
You have Excel 365 and will use XLOOKUP instead of either
Bottom line: If you are going to learn one lookup formula, learn INDEX MATCH. It works in every Excel version, never breaks when columns change, and handles left lookups naturally. Use ExcelForm's INDEX MATCH generator to build these formulas from plain English.
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For most spreadsheets, speed is not a noticeable factor. On very large datasets (100,000+ rows), INDEX MATCH with match_type 1 or -1 (sorted data) can be significantly faster due to binary search. For unsorted data and typical dataset sizes, performance is similar.
Can I use INDEX MATCH in Google Sheets?▾
Yes — INDEX MATCH works identically in Google Sheets with the same syntax. It is available in all Sheets versions. For Sheets users on 2022+, XLOOKUP is also available and simpler for most tasks.
Does INDEX MATCH work with multiple conditions?▾
Yes — combine multiple MATCH conditions using multiplication: =INDEX(C:C, MATCH(1,(A:A=E2)*(B:B=F2),0)). In Excel 2019 or older, confirm with Ctrl+Shift+Enter. In Excel 365 and Google Sheets, regular Enter works.
How do I generate INDEX MATCH formulas automatically?▾
Use ExcelForm's free INDEX MATCH generator at excelform.xyz/index-match-formula-generator — describe your lookup in plain English and get the complete formula including cross-sheet references and multiple criteria. No signup required.