Left lookup
Return product name from column A using SKU in column D via INDEX MATCH.
What is INDEX MATCH in Google Sheets?
INDEX MATCH is a two-function lookup pattern: MATCH finds the row or column position of a key, and INDEX returns the value from that position in another column. It predates XLOOKUP but remains common in legacy models and tutorials.
When to use it
Use INDEX MATCH when you need lookup flexibility VLOOKUP lacks, especially when the return column sits left of the key column.
When to skip it
Prefer XLOOKUP in new workbooks when available; it is simpler to read and maintain.
How it works
-
1
MATCH finds position of lookup value in key column with exact match mode 0.
-
2
INDEX returns value from results column at that row number.
-
3
Nest as =INDEX(result_range, MATCH(lookup, key_range, 0)).
-
4
Lock ranges with $ when copying.
-
5
Wrap with IFERROR for friendly blanks.
-
6
Compare against XLOOKUP on a test tab before migrating production.
Examples in Google Sheets
Build this without starting from a blank cell
Use a Better Sheets tool for INDEX MATCH, then watch a walkthrough when you want the full pattern.
Better Sheets resources
Common mistakes
- MATCH approximate mode on unsorted data.
- Mismatched range lengths between INDEX and MATCH.
- Forgetting INDEX row vs column argument order.
Frequently asked questions
- INDEX MATCH vs VLOOKUP?
- VLOOKUP only searches leftmost column and returns columns to the right. INDEX MATCH works in any direction.
- INDEX MATCH vs XLOOKUP?
- XLOOKUP replaces most INDEX MATCH patterns in one function.
Related Tutorials
Watch how INDEX MATCH works
Use Index Match when you want Vlookup
How to Merge Cells in Google Sheets
200 REGEXMATCH Examples in Google Sheets
Related blog posts
Guides that explain INDEX MATCH in more depth.
7 Best Beginner Tutorials Featuring the INDEX() Google Sheet Formula
Master Google Sheets with 7 beginner tutorials on using the INDEX formula. Turn data into results with free tools, templates, and tutorials!
Read post →6 Different Ways to Use INDEX()
This is the syntax for the INDEX formula. Below are video tutorials that talk about the INDEX formula, These are fun tutorials that show you how you can use INDEX for different cases and uses.
Read post →3 Advanced Ways to Use the INDEX Formula
Three video tutorials for advanced users. In these tutorials, I show you the different ways you can make use of the INDEX function to create fun and useful things with Google Sheets.
Read post →Related glossary terms
INDEX
INDEX fetches a value from a range by row and column number. Combined with MATCH it powers flexible lookups. Alone it picks nth items from lists, dynamic headers, or matrix intersections without VLOOKUP column limits.
Read guide →MATCH
MATCH searches a range for a value and returns its relative position. Feeding INDEX or OFFSET with MATCH replaces brittle column index math. Sorted approximate match modes support tier tables and date brackets.
Read guide →VLOOKUP
VLOOKUP searches the first column of a range for a key and returns a value from a specified column to the right. It is still everywhere in legacy templates even as XLOOKUP offers more flexible replacements.
Read guide →XLOOKUP
XLOOKUP searches a lookup array for a key and returns a matching value from a return array. It handles left lookups, approximate match, and custom not-found text without INDEX/MATCH gymnastics.
Read guide →Google Sheets formulas
A formula is an instruction in a cell that calculates a result from other cells, ranges, or built-in functions. Every formula begins with =. When inputs change, the sheet recalculates so dashboards and models stay live without manual copy-paste. Formulas are the default automation layer inside the grid before Apps Script or add-ons.
Read guide →Done reading about INDEX MATCH?
Membership unlocks 636+ tutorials, unlimited generators, and every template. Practical lessons. Zero fluff.
Need this once
Jump to a free tool or a single tutorial for this topic.
Learning Sheets for real
Unlock the full library, generators, and templates with membership.