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Functions
In this, our final analysis, we will briefly recap each of the 8 rounds and confirm we understand the key differences between these two incredible functions. Then, we’ll confirm we know when and how to apply each in practice. Let’s get to it. Winner? So, which function is better? Which one should we always use?…
When Microsoft released XLOOKUP, they also released XMATCH. XMATCH hasn’t received as much attention as XLOOKUP, so I wanted to talk about it here. In summary, it is similar to the legacy MATCH function we’ve been using for decades, but it receives similar enhancements introduced with XLOOKUP. Let’s get to it. XMATCH Before we get…
The purpose of this round is to examine the ability of each function to perform a range lookup. A range lookup is where we aren’t looking for an exact matching value, but a value that falls between a range of values. So let’s get to it. Round 8 Each sales reps earns a bonus…
The purpose of this round is to examine the issue of multiple lookup columns. Often, we have a single unique ID that we can use as the lookup value. When that is true, great. But, what happens when we need to use multiple columns for our lookup value? That is exactly what this round is…
Round 5 begins now! In this post, the goal is to understand the results of each function when no matching rows are found. That is, when the lookup value is not found in the data table. Do the functions return an error? The closest match? 0? Well, that is why we are here, so let’s…
Welcome to round 4. In this round, we want to explore the issue of return values. Specifically, the data types that our two heavyweights can return. Can they return text values? Numbers? So, that’s the idea … let’s jump right in. Round 4 … ding! Round 4 We have some account numbers, but we…
Excel is big … really big. It has hundreds of functions and features, but which of these have the most potential to save time and help us work faster? The answer depends on what you’re working on. For common accounting and finance tasks, I believe the following 10 Excel skills can help improve the efficiency…
Welcome to Round 3. In this round, we want to explore the idea of column order. That is, we want to find out if the order of the lookup table columns matter to these functions. Let’s find out! Round 3 … begins now! Round 3 We are trying to build a little report, and…
Raise your hand if you love VLOOKUP? Me too! We Excel users have grown to love VLOOKUP over the years. But, XLOOKUP offers some advantages. XLOOKUP? That’s not a typo. Depending on your version of Excel and when you are reading this, you may see this function immediately, or it may be a while before…
Round 2 begins! In this round, the goal is to understand what happens when values that are supposed to match are stored as different data types. Different data types? Cells can store many kinds of data, including numbers, text, dates, times, and so on. The format you apply to a cell doesn’t impact the data…