What is column index in excel

INDEX function

The INDEX function returns a value or the reference to a value from within a table or range.

There are two ways to use the INDEX function:

If you want to return the value of a specified cell or array of cells, see Array form.

If you want to return a reference to specified cells, see Reference form.

Array form

Description

Returns the value of an element in a table or an array, selected by the row and column number indexes.

Use the array form if the first argument to INDEX is an array constant.

Syntax

INDEX(array, row_num, [column_num])

The array form of the INDEX function has the following arguments:

array Required. A range of cells or an array constant.

If array contains only one row or column, the corresponding row_num or column_num argument is optional.

If array has more than one row and more than one column, and only row_num or column_num is used, INDEX returns an array of the entire row or column in array.

row_num Required, unless column_num is present. Selects the row in array from which to return a value. If row_num is omitted, column_num is required.

column_num Optional. Selects the column in array from which to return a value. If column_num is omitted, row_num is required.

If both the row_num and column_num arguments are used, INDEX returns the value in the cell at the intersection of row_num and column_num.

row_num and column_num must point to a cell within array; otherwise, INDEX returns a #REF! error.

If you set row_num or column_num to 0 (zero), INDEX returns the array of values for the entire column or row, respectively. To use values returned as an array, enter the INDEX function as an array formula.

Note: If you have a current version of Microsoft 365, then you can input the formula in the top-left-cell of the output range, then press ENTER to confirm the formula as a dynamic array formula. Otherwise, the formula must be entered as a legacy array formula by first selecting the output range, input the formula in the top-left-cell of the output range, then press CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER to confirm it. Excel inserts curly brackets at the beginning and end of the formula for you. For more information on array formulas, see Guidelines and examples of array formulas.

Examples

Example 1

These examples use the INDEX function to find the value in the intersecting cell where a row and a column meet.

Copy the example data in the following table, and paste it in cell A1 of a new Excel worksheet. For formulas to show results, select them, press F2, and then press Enter.

Value at the intersection of the second row and second column in the range A2:B3.

Value at the intersection of the second row and first column in the range A2:B3.

Example 2

This example uses the INDEX function in an array formula to find the values in two cells specified in a 2×2 array.

Note: If you have a current version of Microsoft 365, then you can input the formula in the top-left-cell of the output range, then press ENTER to confirm the formula as a dynamic array formula. Otherwise, the formula must be entered as a legacy array formula by first selecting two blank cells, input the formula in the top-left-cell of the output range, then press CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER to confirm it. Excel inserts curly brackets at the beginning and end of the formula for you. For more information on array formulas, see Guidelines and examples of array formulas.

Value found in the first row, second column in the array. The array contains 1 and 2 in the first row and 3 and 4 in the second row.

Value found in the second row, second column in the array (same array as above).

Reference form

Description

Returns the reference of the cell at the intersection of a particular row and column. If the reference is made up of non-adjacent selections, you can pick the selection to look in.

Syntax

INDEX(reference, row_num, [column_num], [area_num])

The reference form of the INDEX function has the following arguments:

reference Required. A reference to one or more cell ranges.

If you are entering a non-adjacent range for the reference, enclose reference in parentheses.

If each area in reference contains only one row or column, the row_num or column_num argument, respectively, is optional. For example, for a single row reference, use INDEX(reference,,column_num).

row_num Required. The number of the row in reference from which to return a reference.

column_num Optional. The number of the column in reference from which to return a reference.

area_num Optional. Selects a range in reference from which to return the intersection of row_num and column_num. The first area selected or entered is numbered 1, the second is 2, and so on. If area_num is omitted, INDEX uses area 1. The areas listed here must all be located on one sheet. If you specify areas that are not on the same sheet as each other, it will cause a #VALUE! error. If you need to use ranges that are located on different sheets from each other, it is recommended that you use the array form of the INDEX function, and use another function to calculate the range that makes up the array. For example, you could use the CHOOSE function to calculate which range will be used.

For example, if Reference describes the cells (A1:B4,D1:E4,G1:H4), area_num 1 is the range A1:B4, area_num 2 is the range D1:E4, and area_num 3 is the range G1:H4.

After reference and area_num have selected a particular range, row_num and column_num select a particular cell: row_num 1 is the first row in the range, column_num 1 is the first column, and so on. The reference returned by INDEX is the intersection of row_num and column_num.

If you set row_num or column_num to 0 (zero), INDEX returns the reference for the entire column or row, respectively.

row_num, column_num, and area_num must point to a cell within reference; otherwise, INDEX returns a #REF! error. If row_num and column_num are omitted, INDEX returns the area in reference specified by area_num.

The result of the INDEX function is a reference and is interpreted as such by other formulas. Depending on the formula, the return value of INDEX may be used as a reference or as a value. For example, the formula CELL(«width»,INDEX(A1:B2,1,2)) is equivalent to CELL(«width»,B1). The CELL function uses the return value of INDEX as a cell reference. On the other hand, a formula such as 2*INDEX(A1:B2,1,2) translates the return value of INDEX into the number in cell B1.

Examples

Copy the example data in the following table, and paste it in cell A1 of a new Excel worksheet. For formulas to show results, select them, press F2, and then press Enter.

Источник

How to Use the Excel INDEX Function

Find the information you need quickly with this handy formula

In This Article

Jump to a Section

What to Know

• Use INDEX: Select cell for output > enter INDEX function. Example: =INDEX (A2:D7,6,1).
• INDEX with reference: Select cell for output > enter INDEX function. Example: =INDEX ((A2:D3, A4:D5, A6:D7),2,1,3).
• Formula: =INDEX (cell:cell,row,column) or =INDEX ((reference),row,column,area).

This article explains how to use the INDEX function in Excel 365. The same steps apply to Excel 2016 and Excel 2019, but the interface will look a little different.

How to Use INDEX Function in Excel

The INDEX formula is a great tool for finding out information from a predefined range of data. In our example, we’re going to use a list of orders from a fictional retailer that sells both stationary, and pet treats. Our order report includes order numbers, product names, their individual prices, and quantity sold.

Open the Excel database you want to work with, or re-create the one we have shown above so that you can follow along with this example.

Select the cell where you want the INDEX output to appear. In our first example, we want to find the order number for Dinosaur Treats. We know that data is in Cell A7, so we input that information in an INDEX function in the following format:

This formula looks within our range of cells A2 to D7, in the sixth row of that range (row 7) in the first column (A), and outputs our result of 32321.

If instead, we wanted to find out the quantity of orders for Staples, we would input the following formula:

That outputs 15.

You can also use different cells for your Row and Column inputs to allow for dynamic INDEX outputs, without adjusting your original formula. That might look something like this:

The only difference here, is that the Row and Column data in the INDEX formula are input as cell references, in this case, F2, and G2. When the contents of those cells are adjusted, the INDEX output changes accordingly.

You can also use named ranges for your array.

How to Use INDEX Function With Reference

You can also use the INDEX formula with a reference, instead of an array. This lets you define multiple ranges, or arrays, to draw data from. The function is input almost identically, but it utilizes one additional piece of information: the area number. That looks like this:

We’ll use our original example database in much the same way to show what a reference INDEX function can do. But we will define three separate arrays within that range, enclosing them within a second set of brackets.

Open the Excel database you want to work with, or follow along with ours by inputting the same information into a blank database.

Select the cell where you want the INDEX output to be. In our example, we’ll be looking up the order number for Dinosaur treats once again, but this time it’s part of a the third array within our range. So the function will be written in the following format:

This separates our database into three defined ranges of two rows a piece, and it looks up the second row, column one, of the third array. That outputs the order number for Dinosaur Treats.

What Is the INDEX Formula in Excel?

The INDEX function is a formula within Excel and other databasing tools which grabs a value from a list or table based on the location data you enter into the formula. It is typically displayed in this format:

=INDEX (array, row_number, column_number)

What that’s doing is designating the INDEX function and giving it the parameters that you need it to draw the data from. It starts with the data range, or a named range that you have previously designated; followed by the relative row number of the array, and the relative column number.

That means you’re inputting the row and column numbers within your designated range. So if you were to want to draw something from the second row in your data range, you would input 2 for the row number, even if it’s not the second row in the entire database. The same goes for the column input.

Источник

INDEX Function

Summary

The Excel INDEX function returns the value at a given location in a range or array. You can use INDEX to retrieve individual values, or entire rows and columns. The MATCH function is often used together with INDEX to provide row and column numbers.

Purpose

Return value

Arguments

• array — A range of cells, or an array constant.
• row_num — The row position in the reference or array.
• col_num — [optional] The column position in the reference or array.
• area_num — [optional] The range in reference that should be used.

Syntax

Usage notes

The INDEX function returns the value at a given location in a range or array. INDEX is a powerful and versatile function. You can use INDEX to retrieve individual values, or entire rows and columns. INDEX is frequently used together with the MATCH function. In this scenario, the MATCH function locates and feeds a position to the INDEX function, and INDEX returns the value at that position.

In the most common usage, INDEX takes three arguments: array, row_num, and col_num. Array is the range or array from which to retrieve values. Row_num is the row number from which to retrieve a value, and col_num is the column number at which to retrieve a value. Col_num is optional and not needed when array is one-dimensional.

In the example shown above, the goal is to get the diameter of the planet Jupiter. Because Jupiter is the fifth planet in the list, and Diameter is the third column, the formula in G7 is:

The formula above is of limited value because the row number and column number have been hard-coded. Typically, the MATCH function would be used inside INDEX to provide these numbers. For a detailed explanation with many examples, see: How to use INDEX and MATCH.

Basic usage

INDEX gets a value at a given location in a range of cells based on numeric position. When the range is one-dimensional, you only need to supply a row number. When the range is two-dimensional, you’ll need to supply both the row and column number. For example, to get the third item from the one-dimensional range A1:A5:

The formulas below show how INDEX can be used to get a value from a two-dimensional range:

INDEX and MATCH

In the examples above, the position is «hardcoded». Typically, the MATCH function is used to find positions for INDEX. For example, in the screen below, the MATCH function is used to locate «Mars» (G6) in row 3 and feed that position to INDEX. The formula in G7 is:

MATCH provides the row number (4) to INDEX. The column number is still hardcoded as 3.

INDEX and MATCH with horizontal table

In the screen below, the table above has been transposed horizontally. The MATCH function returns the column number (4) and the row number is hardcoded as 2. The formula in C10 is:

For a detailed explanation with many examples, see: How to use INDEX and MATCH

Entire row / column

INDEX can be used to return entire columns or rows like this:

where n represents the number of the column or row to return. This example shows a practical application of this idea.

Reference as result

It’s important to note that the INDEX function returns a reference as a result. For example, in the following formula, INDEX returns A2:

In a typical formula, you’ll see the value in cell A2 as the result, so it’s not obvious that INDEX is returning a reference. However, this is a useful feature in formulas like this one, which uses INDEX to create a dynamic named range. You can use the CELL function to report the reference returned by INDEX.

Two forms

The INDEX function has two forms: array and reference. Both forms have the same behavior – INDEX returns a reference in an array based on a given row and column location. The difference is that the reference form of INDEX allows more than one array, along with an optional argument to select which array should be used. Most formulas use the array form of INDEX, but both forms are discussed below.

Array form

In the array form of INDEX, the first parameter is an array, which is supplied as a range of cells or an array constant. The syntax for the array form of INDEX is:

• If both row_num and col_num are supplied, INDEX returns the value in the cell at the intersection of row_num and col_num.
• If row_num is set to zero, INDEX returns an array of values for an entire column. To use these array values, you can enter the INDEX function as an array formula in horizontal range, or feed the array into another function.
• If col_num is set to zero, INDEX returns an array of values for an entire row. To use these array values, you can enter the INDEX function as an array formula in vertical range, or feed the array into another function.

Reference form

In the reference form of INDEX, the first parameter is a reference to one or more ranges, and a fourth optional argument, area_num, is provided to select the appropriate range. The syntax for the reference form of INDEX is:

Just like the array form of INDEX, the reference form of INDEX returns the reference of the cell at the intersection row_num and col_num. The difference is that the reference argument contains more than one range, and area_num selects which range should be used. The area_num is argument is supplied as a number that acts like a numeric index. The first array inside reference is 1, the second array is 2, and so on.

For example, in the formula below, area_num is supplied as 2, which refers to the range A7:C10:

In the above formula, INDEX will return the value at row 1 and column 3 of A7:C10.

• Multiple ranges in reference are separated by commas and enclosed in parentheses.
• All ranges must on one sheet or INDEX will return a #VALUE error. Use the CHOOSE function as a workaround.

Источник

What is the INDEX Function in Excel?

The INDEX function in Excel provides the value of a cell within a selected range against a given row and column. For example, the formula = INDEX(“Employee ID”,row_num,[column_num]) will return the Employee ID 27 against the given row number 5 and column number 3.

Using the INDEX function, we can find the value at the intersection of a specific row and column. The INDEX function in Excel is present under the Microsoft Excel Lookup and Reference function.

Key Highlights

• The INDEX function in Excel helps to find the information within a data range, where it looks up values by both columns and rows.
• It looks up the value of a cell at the intersection of a given row and column.
• We use the INDEX function in Excel with the MATCH function more commonly. The combination of the INDEX and MATCH functions is an alternative to the VLOOKUP function, which is more powerful & flexible.
• We can use the INDEX function in Excel to fetch individual values or entire rows and columns.

INDEX Function in Excel Syntax

There are two types of the INDEX function in Excel:

#1 Array Form

We use the Array INDEX form when the cell we refer to is within a single range of the data table, e.g., A3:C7.

To understand better, refer to the below image-

Syntax-

= INDEX (array, row_num, [column_num])

#2 Reference Form

We use this INDEX form when the cell that we are referring to is within multiple cell ranges, e.g., (A7:C1,A12:C14,A16:C19)

Refer to the below image-

Syntax-

=INDEX (reference,row_num,[col_num],[area_num])

Explanation of the Syntax

array:

It is a compulsory or required argument that indicates the range or array of cells we want to look up

Note: If there are multiple cell ranges in the data table, it is called a reference  where all the cell ranges(areas) are separated by a comma and with closed brackets

row_num:

It is a compulsory or required argument that indicates the row number against which we want to fetch the value.

Note: Excel considers the row_num argument optional if only one row exists in an array or cell range.

col_num:

It is a compulsory or required argument that indicates the column number against which we want to fetch the value.

Note: Excel considers the col_num argument optional if only one column exists in an array or cell range.

area_num:

It is an optional argument. If the desired value is present in multiple cell ranges in the data table, the area_num indicates the cell range to use.

Note: If there is no value in area_num, then by default, the INDEX Function in Excel considers the first area as the area number.

How to Use the INDEX Function in Excel?

To understand the usage of the INDEX function, consider the below-given examples.

You can download this INDEX Function in Excel Template here – INDEX Function in Excel Template

ARRAY FORM

Example #1:

The table contains the name of Employees of a company, their Employee ID, Gender, and Age. We want to find the Employee ID of Methos using the INDEX function.

Solution:

We will apply the INDEX formula in cell B16 to get the Employee ID of Methos.

Step 1: Click on the Insert Function (fx) option under the Formulas section of the Excel toolbar.

An Insert Function dialog box appears.

Step 2: Type INDEX in the dialog box’s Search for a function option. And double click the INDEX option from the list.

A Select Arguments dialog box shows the two types of INDEX functions: one for array and the other for reference.

Step 3: Select the array formula, as we have only one data range, and click OK.

A Function Arguments dialog box opens with options Array, row_num, and column_num.

Step 4: Enter the cell range (A7:D13) that contains the lookup value in the Array argument

Note: Do not select the column headings

Step 5: Enter the row number(5) that contains the lookup value in the row_num argument.

Step 6: Enter the column number(2) that contains the lookup value in the Col_num argument.

Step 7: Click OK to get the below result

The Index function will return the value of the 5th row and 2nd column, i.e., Employee ID 333.

Example #2

The table below shows the Batch ID of Clothing products manufactured by different industries. We want to find the Batch ID of products manufactured by Entech Co. Ltd.

Solution:

Step 1: Write Entech Co. Ltd. in cell A16 

Step 2: Place the cursor in cell B16 and enter the formula,

=INDEX(A7:D13,5,4)

Explanation:

A7:D13: It is the cell range that contains data about Entech Co. Ltd.

5,4:  The lookup value- Entech Co. Ltd. is in the 5th row of the selected cell range with Batch ID in the 4th column.

Therefore, we write 5 & 4, respectively, in the formula.

Step 3: Press the Enter key to get the below result

The INDEX function with Array Form gives the Batch ID of 205 for products manufactured by Entech Co. Ltd.

Example #3

The table below shows 4 different caterers with snacks they supplied and invoice numbers for their respective bills. Here, we want to find the invoice number for the bill of the snacks supplied by Hungritos.

Solution:

Step 1: Write Hungritos in cell A13

Step 2: Place the cursor in cell B13 and enter the formula,

=INDEX(A7:D10,1,3)

Explanation:

A7:D10- It is the cell range that contains the data of Hingritos.

Note: We do not select the headings of the table.

1,3- The lookup value- Hingritos is in the 1st row of the selected range with invoice no. in the 3rd column. Therefore, we write 1 & 3, respectively, in the formula.

Step 3:  Press the Enter key to get the below result

The INDEX function returns invoice no. 51 for snacks provided by Hungritos.

REFERENCE FORM

Example #1

The table below shows three different tables with Employee Name, Employee ID, Gender, Age, and Department. We want to find the Employee ID of Maria using the INDEX function in Excel.

Solution:

Here, we will use the Reference Form of Excel since there are three different data tables.

Step 1: Write Maria in cell E7

Step 2: Place the cursor in cell F7 and type =INDEX(

When we type the above, it displays two arguments, as shown in the image below

Step 3: Enter the formula,

=INDEX((A7:C13,A16:C18,A22:C23),2,2,2)

• Row_num: It is the row against which we want to fetch the Employee ID of Maria present in table 2; therefore, we enter row number(2), the intersection will occur at the 2nd row of the table
• Col_num: It is the column against which we want to fetch the value, i.e., 2, the intersection will occur at the 2nd column of the 2nd table
• Area_num: It indicates the area(table) which contains the details of Maria, i.e., table 2. Thus, we enter the Area_num as number 2 here.

Step 4: Press the Enter key to get the below output

The INDEX function in Excel returns Employee ID of Maria as 627.

Example #2

The table below shows sports items sold by a store with their prices. We want to find the number of Volleyballs sold by the store given the row number and column number.

Solution:

Step 1: Write the desired row and column numbers in cells E7 and F7, respectively.

Step 2: Place the cursor in cell G7 and enter the formula,

=INDEX((A7:C10,A12:C14,A16:C19),2,3,3)

The table above has three different areas- area 1, area 2, and area 3. Our desired item, a Volleyball, is in the third area. Therefore, we write the number 3 at the end.

Step 3: Press the Enter key to give the below result.

Things to Remember

• The INDEX function in Excel returns #VALUE! Error if row_num/ column_num is not mentioned in the formula or given as 0.
• The INDEX function returns #VALUE! error if the values for row_num, col_num, or area_num are non-numeric.
• The INDEX function in Excel returns #REF! Error if the value entered for row_num exceeds the number of rows present in the data table
• The INDEX function returns #REF! Error if the value entered for column_num exceeds the number of columns present in the data table
• The INDEX function in Excel returns #REF! Error if we provide a value for area_num greater than the number of areas in the cell range.
• If we give (refer) the area_num in the INDEX Formula from another sheet, the Index Function in Excel returns #VALUE! Error. It should represent the table present in the same sheet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1) What is the use of INDEX ()?

Answer: With the INDEX (), we can find the index position of an element or character in an item string. It gives the lowest possible index of the specified element in the list. If the provided item is not in the list, the INDEX function in Excel returns a ValueError.

Q2) What is the INDEX formula?

Answer: The INDEX formula for the Array form is

=INDEX(array, row_num, [col_num]). 

The INDEX formula for Reference form is =INDEX(reference,row_num,[column_num],[area_num]). 

The array argument specifies the cell range we want to look up. If there are multiple cell ranges in the data table, we separate them using a comma and close them with brackets; row_num indicates the row number against which we want to fetch the value; col_num indicates the column number against which we want to fetch the value; area_num indicates the range to use if there are multiple areas(tables).

Q3) What is the purpose of the INDEX and MATCH functions?

The INDEX function provides the value of a parameter based on the row and column numbers. The MATCH function gives the position of a cell in a column or a row. Combining the INDEX and MATCH functions provides a cell value based on horizontal and vertical criteria.

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