How To Use INDEX() Function in Google Sheets

Description

Returns the content of a cell, specified by row and column offset.

Common questions about the INDEX formula:
• What is the INDEX formula used for? To automatically find a cell via row or column count.
• How can I use multiple criteria in the INDEX formula? You will want to use row and Column. But within those numbers you can have a lot of formulas.
• What argument must be given when using the INDEX formula? Row and Column.

Which other Formulas work well in combination with INDEX?
The best combination is MATCH. Combining MATCH with INDEX creates an almost XLOOKUP like experience, and must more flexible than VLOOKUP.

How can the INDEX formula be used appropriately?
The INDEX formula can be used to look up or reference data values in a given range or array. The syntax for the formula is INDEX(range, row number, column number).

How can the INDEX formula be commonly mistyped?
The INDEX formula is sometimes written in a reverse order: ROW(range), column number, row number. The INDEX Formula can also be physically mistyped as INDX, or NDEX, or NDX, or INDECKS, or INDECK, or INDEK, or UNTAX, or INDED, or INDENT, or SINDEX.

What are some common ways the INDEX formula is used inappropriately?
• Using the INDEX formula inside of another INDEX formula
• Not supplying enough parameters in the INDEX formula
• Not properly referencing a cell inside of the formula.

What are some common pitfalls when using the INDEX formula?
• Not correctly referencing the range of a cell or array
• Not referencing the correct cell based on the argument supplied
• Encountering circular referencing issues caused by incorrect range definitions. *This is the most common error.

What are common mistakes when using the INDEX Formula?
• Not providing enough arguments
• Not referencing the whole range of cells
• Not paying attention to the order of the arguments in the formula

What are common misconceptions people might have with the INDEX Formula?
• Thinking the INDEX formula can be used like the VLOOKUP formula. You must use MATCH along with INDEX.
• Thinking that the INDEX formula can only search for a whole sheet
• Believing that the INDEX formula can be used on its own without any other formulas. It can but it's power lies in combining with others.

Learn more about other Formula Combinations like INDEX/MATCH in the Formula Combinations section on Better Sheets.

Google Sheet Formula Frustrations Solved

Find every formula you'll ever need in Google Sheets here at Better Sheets. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, I’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide of 504 formulas.

Are you struggling to find a specific value in a column of data? Look no further than the powerful VLOOKUP formula. Or maybe you need to calculate the sum of values that meet specific criteria - try out SUMIF. And when it comes to frequency of values, COUNTIF has you covered.

Have you heard of the mysterious and powerful IF formula? It can turn your spreadsheets into gateways of productivity. And don't forget about the oft-partner ISBLANK().

Find step-by-step tutorials for any formula here on Better Sheets. Every formula page comes with links to written blog posts and Better Sheets tutorials featuring the exact formula.

Looking for a way to segment data based on specific criteria? The FILTER formula is perfect for you.

At bettersheets.co/formulas, I have everything you need to take your Google Sheets skills to the next level.

From ARRAYFORMULA() to ZTEST(), Better Sheets has it all.

Better Sheets has got each key formula crucial to boost your Google Sheets competence

How To Actually Use INDEX() in Sheets

INDEX(reference, [row], [column])

Google Docs Help

39Better Sheets Tutorials

Spreadsheet Automation for Beginners

I start off this video with the idea to show beginners how to automate emails in their sheets, and also add a little bit of AI. Then half way through the video I have a question... can I write AI and then email myself everyday? We try to do that. So you get to see me struggle, and log, and debug. It's quite intense.

Learn more Automation: https://bettersheets.co/courses/spreadsheet-automation-101

Get the AI GPT-3.5 and GPT 4 code: https://bettersheets.co/tutorials/upgrade-google-sheets-openai-prompt-to-gpt-4

Better Sheets members can get the code and the sheet in the video below.

Beginner

Create an Auto-Update Sales Chart: Trailing 12 Months

how to create an auto-updating sales chart that displays the trailing 12 months of data in Google Sheets. The tutorial uses a sample dataset to demonstrate how to build a dynamic chart that updates automatically as new data is added.

Intermediate

Announcing Sell Daily and How I Built Sell Daily

Send daily emails to yourself to master sales every single day. 100% completely free for Better Sheet members.

Beginner

Find a Value in a Range

I'll show you how to easily find a specific value in a range using two powerful formulas: VLOOKUP and INDEX MATCH.

With VLOOKUP, we can search for a value in a column and retrieve information from the same row.

I'll explain how to set it up and why the "false" parameter is important. Then, I'll introduce INDEX MATCH, which allows us to search for a value in one column and retrieve information from another column.

I'll demonstrate how to use it to find a name based on a number and vice versa. This technique is incredibly useful when you need to look up information based on a specific value.

Plus, I'll share a neat trick to make the search even more dynamic. So, let's dive in and master these versatile formulas together! 🚀

Beginner

How to Add YouTube Thumbnails

Add the image of a youtube thumbnail with only a YouTube url into your Google Sheets. Great use case for Substitute() or Split() functions. Nice way to add a little visual flair to your sheets.

Kristy Asks How to Get Percentages from Scores

How to figure out a percentage score when our reporting numbers are a formatted in a particular way. In this case we have a score and then a slash and then the total possible score in a single cell. We go through each option of solution and try to derive a solution that is both useful in the exact situation and possibly useful for other problems too.

We find that the Query formula and other solutions are inflexible or time intensive. We want a solution that does actually solve the problem at hand, in a quick way, and also is easy to edit and flexible to solve other problems.

Beginner

Creating a Random Motivational Quote Checklist

I'll show you how to create a motivational quote checklist that generates a random quote every time you check off a task. We'll start from scratch and create a formula that displays motivational quotes from a list of 100 quotes. The quotes can be easily expanded, and the checklist will update accordingly. This tool will add a touch of motivation and productivity to your day. Enjoy!

Beginner

Creating A Dark Mode Theme | Announcing Dark Habits

Build a habit tracker in dark mode. Learn how to use emojis and checkboxes effectively.

Intermediate Most Popular

Build The Dashboard - Design a Better Dashboard Part 3

We're actually gonna go build the dashboard today.

Sheet Stories / Video Notes + Clear 24 Hour Old Videos

Revolutionary Method to Manage Your Video Stories! Learn how to delete old videos in just 24 hours. Keep your content fresh and engaging. Click here for the ultimate guide.

Advanced

Use Index Match when you want Vlookup

If you find Vlookup a difficult formula to understand, this formula combination might be better. It's also much more flexible than Vlookup. Index/Match is the best. It's one of my favorite formula combinations.

Intermediate

Better Domain Portfolio Template

Create a better list of domains.

Intermediate

Wordle in a Google Sheet | Work in Progress

Building a clone of Wordle inside Google Sheets.

Intermediate

Secure Your Sheets by BetterSheets.co

tactics on how to keep your sheets secure.

Beginner

Deep Inside Dark Habits Google Script

Go inside this apps script and sheet. See how it's designed and created.

Add Pics to Marketplace in a Google Sheet

Add pictures to your marketplace inside a google sheet. Might be great for garage sales, and community events.

Beginner

Create a Summary Tab with Min and Max

Free tutorial for finding Minimum and Maximum data points.

Intermediate

How To Create An AutoFill in Google Sheets

Autofill inside of google sheets is possible with Dropdowns.

Beginner

Anders Asks: Find first and last of filter by date

Useful for calculation or filters by dates.

Beginner

Sheet Stories / Video Notes + ADDED: Email Notifications

Unlock the Power of Email Notifications! 📧 Dive into our latest video tutorial, where we show you step-by-step how to add email notifications to your Google Sheets. Stay ahead of the game, get instant updates, and keep your workflow seamless! Check it out now!

Advanced

Adding a Foodcourt to Doc's Virtual Mall | Sheet Improvement!

A fun way to make a sheet look like a mall.

Advanced

Insert Random New Quotes in Your Google Sheets (Every Edit/Open)

Discover the Secret Formula to Insert a Quote Randomizer in Your Sheet! | Learn how to use a simple one-formula combo to get a random assortment of quotes in your sheet. Change the quote every time you open the sheet. Watch now and amaze your friends!

How to insert a quote generator or a quote randomizer inside your sheet. Without using Apps Script.

Beginner

How To Select an Image based on Text in a Dropdown Menu

This video is a tutorial on how to create a dynamic weekly planner in Google Sheets with drop-down menus that change images based on selections. Here are three key takeaways:

Avoid Hidden Rows/Columns for Clarity

The speaker advises against using hidden rows or columns in Google Sheets. They suggest that this practice often leads to confusion and inefficiency, especially when sharing sheets with others. As an alternative, they recommend placing such data on a separate sheet.

Dynamic Dropdown Lists and Image Insertion

The tutorial demonstrates how to create dropdown lists where selecting a subject (e.g., English, Math, Study) changes the image displayed in another cell. This is achieved through data validation for dropdowns and using VLOOKUP or INDEX MATCH functions to link the chosen subject to its corresponding image.

Flexibility and Ease of Updates

The approach shown allows for easy updates and additions to the planner. For instance, adding new subjects or changing images is straightforward. The speaker emphasizes the versatility of the INDEX MATCH function over VLOOKUP, as it offers more control and adaptability, particularly when rearranging data.

The video also touches on the specifics of resizing rows for better image visibility, the importance of unique identifiers for dropdown options, and the benefits of expanding dropdown lists for future additions.

David Asks: About Primary Keys

Create relational databases with index/match. Discover the secret to efficient data management with primary keys! Learn how to sort, filter, and create tables based on unique identifiers in this expert video. Say goodbye to complicated spreadsheets and hello to easy data management.

Intermediate

Get Instagram Follower Accounts in Google Sheets

I will show you how to create a hack to retrieve Instagram follower accounts from any Instagram page using import XML. I will explain the step-by-step process, including how to identify the XML, split it, and extract the follower account. Follow along and try it out yourself.

Intermediate

Zakir Asks: Find First Car in a Row

Find the first value in a row.

Beginner

How Can I Compare Two Tabs for Differences?

So in this video we're going to compare two tabs and differences. Basically, someone asked actually on AppSumo, someone asked how do I compare two sheets to know what the differences are? This is the answer.

5 Ways To Use Google Sheets for Advanced Project Management

Here are 5 advanced ways to manage projects inside of Google Sheets Manage Task Flow with IF() and a Checkbox Manage Data Inputs with IF() and ISBLANK() Create Quick Dashboard headers with: Transpose / Unique Create Pickers with Index / Match Email reports with Apps Script

Intermediate

Google Sheets Stories? No! But we'll add timestamped video notes to your google sheets.

There was a stories craze. Every app/platform/business was adding 24 hour lasting videos to their users accounts. Now you can do that with Google sheets.

Basics - Structure of a Sheet: Index() Row() and Column()

Let's figure out how a sheet is structured.

Beginner

Add Cool Responsive Graphs to Your Stock Tracking Sheets

Create little graphs with SPARKLINE() super easy!

Switch Months Menu - Design a Better Dashboard Part 4

Create a dropdown that changes the months displayed in a dashboard.

Mr. Beast Renamed My YouTube Titles

I need help to supercharge my YouTube channel! Are you struggling to find the best strategies to boost your YouTube channel's performance too? Let's see if Mr. Beast can help.

Advanced

YouTube Thumbnail A/B Test Results

Find out the results of YouTube Thumbnail A/B Tests with this YouTube Thumbnail Image hack we can do in Google Sheets.

Intermediate

Open Spreadsheet to Motivational Quote Automatically

Create a simple script to open a particular tab. In this case we're opening to a random motivational quote each time.

Beginner

I Built a SEO Meta Description Writer

Unlock the Secrets of SEO Meta Descriptions! Learn how to craft compelling meta descriptions using AI and Google Sheets. Boost your website's visibility and engage your audience. Dive into the world of effective SEO writing now!

Advanced

Celebrate Your Completed Checklists

Learn how to use apps script to add emoji animations when you complete a checklist in Google Sheets.

Intermediate Advanced

Study Better With Google Sheets

Made Ali Abdaal's study google sheet better.

Beginner

Pick a Raffle Winner with Number of Tickets

Pick a raffle winner if you only have the names and number of tickets. And do it in one cell.

Advanced

Learn more about the INDEX() formula:

INDEX

Generate a INDEX() formula for your needs with AI

Google Sheets Formula Generator

Whatever you need to do in sheets, you can generate a formula. Use the Better Sheets Formula generator to create a formula for any need. Completely free for members.

Asa

Looking for more help inside sheets get the free Add-on: Asa. Ask Sheets Anything. Go ahead, ask it any problem you migth have. Bring your own APIKEY and generate formulas inside of Google Sheets.