Excel Formula Using INDEX to Refer to Table

Objective

To create an Excel formula that utilizes the INDEX function to retrieve data from a specified table.

INDEX Function Overview

The INDEX function in Excel is used to return a value from a table or range based on specified row and column numbers. The syntax is as follows:

INDEX(array, row_num, [column_num])

• array: The range from which to retrieve data (e.g., a table).
• row_num: The row number in the array from which to retrieve a value.
• column_num: (Optional) The column number in the array from which to retrieve a value.

Example Scenario

Assume we have a table named TableA with the following structure:

Formula Creation

To retrieve the name of the employee with ID 2, you would use the following formula:

=INDEX(TableA[Name], MATCH(2, TableA[ID], 0))

Breakdown of the Formula

1. MATCH Function:

   • MATCH(2, TableA[ID], 0) searches for the value 2 in the ID column of TableA.
   • It returns the position of the matching value (e.g., 2 returns 2 because it is the second row).

2. INDEX Function:

   • INDEX(TableA[Name], 2) utilizes the results from the MATCH function to return the value from the Name column at row 2.

Practical Illustration

If entered into a cell, this formula will return "Sarah," the name associated with ID 2. This approach can be adapted to retrieve different values based on variable criteria by changing the MATCH function's lookup value.

Conclusion

The INDEX and MATCH combination is a powerful tool for dynamic data retrieval from tables in Excel. This method allows for flexibility and ease of use in data analysis tasks. For a deeper understanding and further applications, consider exploring courses offered on the Enterprise DNA Platform.