INDEX function in Excel - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the INDEX function do in Excel?

The INDEX function returns the value of a cell at the intersection of a specified row and column within a range or array.

beginner

Syntax of the INDEX function?

The syntax is INDEX(array, row_num, [column_num]). <br> - array: range or array to look in <br> - row_num: row number to find <br> - column_num: optional column number to find

beginner

What happens if you omit column_num in INDEX?

If column_num is omitted, INDEX returns the value from the specified row in the first column of the array.

intermediate

How can INDEX help when combined with MATCH?

INDEX can return a value from a table using a row and column number found by MATCH, enabling dynamic lookups.

beginner

Example: What does =INDEX(A1:C3, 2, 3) return?

It returns the value in the 2nd row and 3rd column of the range A1:C3.

What does INDEX(A1:B4, 3, 2) return?

A Value in 2nd row, 3rd column of A1:B4

B Value in 3rd row, 2nd column of A1:B4

C Value in 3rd row, 1st column of A1:B4

D Value in 1st row, 2nd column of A1:B4

INDEX returns the value at the specified row and column in the range.

If column_num is omitted in INDEX, which column is used?

A First column

B Middle column

C Last column

D No column, error

Omitting column_num defaults to the first column.

Which function is commonly paired with INDEX for dynamic lookups?

A MATCH

B SUM

C IF

D VLOOKUP

MATCH finds the position, INDEX returns the value.

What type of value does INDEX return?

A Cell reference

B Error code

C Formula

D Value from a cell

INDEX returns the actual value stored in the cell.

What will =INDEX(A1:C3, 1, 1) return?

A Error

B Value in cell C3

C Value in cell A1

D Value in cell B2

Row 1, column 1 corresponds to cell A1.

Explain how the INDEX function works and its main parameters.

Think about how you find a seat in a theater by row and seat number.

Describe a practical example where combining INDEX and MATCH is useful.

Imagine looking up a friend's phone number in a contact list by name.