How to use the INDEX function to find data in a table in Excel (324988)

SUMMARY

This article describes how to use the INDEX function to find data in a table at the intersection of a specific row and column.

There are two forms of the INDEX function, Array and Reference. The primary differences between the two forms are as follows:

The Array form can return more than one value at a time. The Reference form returns the reference of the cell at the intersection of a particular row and column.
The Array form is entered using CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER, instead of just ENTER, as with Reference.

MORE INFORMATION

Enter the following data into a blank Excel worksheet. You will use this data for the sample formula in this article.

	A	B	C
1	Name	Dept	Age
2	Henry	501	28
3	Stan	201	19
4	Mary	101	22
5	Larry	301	29
6
7	Harry	401	21
8	Joe	101	23
9	Lynn	301	30

Reference Form of INDEX

Enter the following formula into cell E2 (or any available blank cell):
=INDEX((A2:C5,A7:C9),2,3,2)
(A2:C5,A7:C9) are the ranges where the value that you want will be found.

2 is the row number in the range where the value is.

3 is the column number in the ranges where the value is. Because there are three columns (beginning with column A), the third column is column C.

2 is the area, A2:C5 or A7:C9, where the value is. Because there are two areas specified for the range, the second range is A7:C9.
Press ENTER.

In the sample formula, the INDEX function returns a value at the intersection of the second row (2) and third column (C) of the range A7:C9. The value in cell C8 is 23. Therefore, the formula =INDEX((A2:C5,A7:C9),2,3,2) will return the value 23.

Array Form of INDEX

Enter the following formula into cell E3 (or any available blank cell):
=INDEX(A2:C5,2,3)
A2:C5 is the range where the value that you want will be found.

2 is the row number in the range where the value is.

3 is the column number in the range where the value is. Because there are three columns (beginning with column A), the third column is column C.
Press CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER to enter the formula as an array formula.

In the sample formula, the INDEX function returns a value at the intersection of the second row (2) and third column (C). The value in cell C2 is 19. Therefore, the formula =INDEX(A2:C5,2,3) will return the value 19.