Why would anyone ever use the vlookup or hlookup function when you have Index Match?

if you dont need to use it, then why do you care?

More of curious as to why it was built in to excel despite having no real apparent purpose.
Maybe there's something I'm missing?

probably cuz vlookup is simpler to use, so easier for normal users to understand

Vlookup is supposed to be faster on small data sets as well (according to common wisdom), but I don't even think that is true, plus who gives a shit how fast something is small data sets?

Just use index+match and leave vlookup to the technopeasants.

This post was edited by Azrad on Sep 1 2013 10:45am

it's easier to make dynamic array references with vlookup
honestly, i find no point in using index match unless my lookup data is to the left of my lookup values

but really, what's the point in getting snobby over excel of all things?

like seriously...whats with the excel snobbyness...it's not like you notice any difference in terms of formula efficiency...

vlookup/hlookup is great for what its intended for...we use it all the time at work in our financial tables.

example of its use:
- you extract data from a financial system
- you then want to convert one of the columns in the data extract to something else
- you already have a vlookup table ready with the first column in the vlookup table being what you want to convert and the second column being the "something else"
- it's hella simple to just insert a column in the data extract and then do vlookup value in the vlookup table to get the "something else"

lol did he send anyone else hate mail?

heh that is a good point. It is like two guys living in a landfill arguing over who's side of the landfill smells less bad.