We can use a formula that is based on the INDEX and MATCH functions to lookup a value in a table in a Google Sheet. Unlike in excel where the result is entered with CRTL+SHIFT+ENTER, the result is entered with the enter key only for Google Sheets. The steps below will walk through the process.
Figure 1- How to Use INDEX and MATCH Together in Google Sheets
General Formula
=INDEX(range1,MATCH(A1,range2),0))
- Range1 is the array of values from which INDEX returns the final result
- Range2 is the array of values that help INDEX to identify the position of the value to return
Formula
INDEX RETURNS HEIGHT: =INDEX(D4:D10,MATCH(H3,B4:B10,0))
INDEX RETURNS COST: =INDEX(E4:E10,MATCH(H3,B4:B10,0))
Setting up the Data
We will use the INDEX and MATCH functions to get the Height and the Cost of the A grade item in figure 2. We must note that where there are similar values that could be returned, INDEX returns the first matching value.
Figure 2 – Setting up the Data
Lookup HEIGHT with INDEX and MATCH Functions
- We will click on Cell H4
- We will insert the formula below into Cell H4
=INDEX(D4:D10,MATCH(H3,B4:B10,0)) - We will press ENTER
Figure 3- Result for Lookup of Height with INDEX and MATCH functions
Lookup COST with INDEX and MATCH Functions
- We will click on Cell H5
- We will insert the formula below into Cell H5
=INDEX(E4:E10,MATCH(H3,B4:B10,0)) - We will press ENTER
Figure 4- Result for Lookup of Cost with INDEX and MATCH functions
Explanation
INDEX RETURNS HEIGHT: =INDEX(D4:D10,MATCH(H3,B4:B10,0))
In this formula, the MATCH function looks for the value of Cell H3 in Range B4:B10. 0 signifies that we require an exact match. The MATCH FUNCTION returns the position 1 and 3. Because INDEX returns the first matching value, TALL is returned as the height.
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