SheetCompareINDEX/MATCH
A two-function Excel pattern that performs flexible lookups: MATCH finds a value's position, INDEX returns the value at that position.
INDEX/MATCH is the classic robust alternative to VLOOKUP. MATCH returns the position of a value within a row or column, and INDEX returns the value at a given position in a range. Combined, they look up a value and return a result from any other column, in any direction.
Before XLOOKUP existed, INDEX/MATCH was how careful analysts avoided VLOOKUP's limitations: it can look left, it doesn't break when columns are inserted, and it can be faster on large sheets because it doesn't scan unnecessary columns. It's more verbose to write, which is its main downside. In modern Excel, XLOOKUP covers most of the same ground in one function, but INDEX/MATCH remains widely used and fully compatible with older versions.