INDEX MATCH Practice

INDEX and MATCH split a lookup into two clear jobs. MATCH finds a position; INDEX returns the value at that position. That separation makes the pattern flexible, especially when the return column sits to the left of the key or when you need both a row and a column match. In the live spreadsheet, use a team name as the key and return the matching employee from a small roster.

The exercise sequence begins with each component, then combines them in exact and two-way lookups. It also includes VLOOKUP and XLOOKUP so you can compare the same business problem across patterns. The important detail is alignment: the array passed to INDEX must correspond row for row with the range searched by MATCH. A one-row offset can return a valid-looking value from the wrong record.

Use the worked answers after attempting the tasks. They show how to inspect MATCH on its own, confirm the returned position, and only then wrap it in INDEX. This staged approach is useful during spreadsheet interviews because you can explain and debug your reasoning. It also makes old workbooks easier to audit when a long nested formula is producing an unexpected result.