INDEX Function Examples
Index Function Description
Returns a value or reference from a table (also
called a range, array or data) designated by row and
column number indexes. Using this function, you have
complete control over the row and column in which to
look in a table and return a value. This function
can be used in combination with the MATCH function
to create a more powerful version of the
VLOOKUP
function.
INDEX Function Syntax
=INDEX(reference,[row_num],[column_num],[area_num])
[] bracket means argument is optional which means
you do not have to fill the slot.
INDEX Function Argument
Definitions
reference: This is a reference to
the range containing your data. For example, A1:B10
or a range name like sales.
row_num: Designates the
row in the lookup range in which to return a value. Make this argument 0 if you
wish to return an entire column of data. Be sure to designate the column if
making 0.
column_num: Designates the column in
the range in which to return a value. Make this argument 0 if you wish to return
an entire row. Be sure to designate the row if making 0.
area_num: If
looking at a single range, leave out as it defaults
to 1.
For example,=INDEX(A1:B10,2,2) will return the
value from cell B2 (row 2, column 2) in the
designated range A1:B10.
INDEX Function Tips
- If your information is always in the same place in a range, use numbers
to designate the row and column index.
- Use the MATCH function in place of the row_num and/or column_num
arguments if you have to search for a header that marks a column or some
record name that marks a row. MATCH returns the index (position number) of
an element in a row or column which can then be used to designate the row or
column of your range that contains the value you are after.
- This is a very sophisticated function and has many syntax forms and
used. Please consult Excel On-Line helpform more uses and information.
