Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

Oh hard disagree, friend.

I know “Excel is not a database”, but at work it often has to be. Using table notation to reach across to other tables is massively easier than trying to remember which column your data is in. You can INDEX(MATCH()) that without moving from the cell you’re in.

I guess it depends on the type of data you’re dealing with because all those things you list are things I’ve never wanted.




Have you tried XLOOKUP?

I like it more than index match.


Well I work in an industry which still uses an archaic version of Excel. 2016 for Windows I guess? No XLOOKUP for me, yet. But yeah I’ll switch when it’s available.

INDEX(MATCH()) is clearly a janky hack. But once you get used to it, it works.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: