Summary of "Compare VLOOKUP XLOOKUP INDEX and DGET Functions- Same Work Situation"

The video tutorial by Nabil Murad compares four Excel functions—VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, INDEX, and DGET—using a practical example to extract sales data based on a selected month. The tutorial highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each function in a similar work situation.

Main Ideas and Concepts:

Function Overview:
- VLOOKUP: A classic function for vertical lookups, but can be problematic if the order of columns is changed.
- XLOOKUP: A more recent function that allows for dynamic arrays and better handling of errors, but requires careful locking of references.
- INDEX: Requires the use of helper functions (MATCH) to determine row and column indices, providing flexibility but complexity.
- DGET: A database function that is straightforward and does not require additional helper functions.
Practical Example:
- The tutorial uses a dataset showing quantities sold by month and region.
- A dropdown allows selection of a month, and the functions are used to extract the corresponding sales figures.
Function Implementation:
- Each function is demonstrated step-by-step, showing how to set up the formulas and the importance of locking cell references when necessary.
- The performance and character length of each formula are discussed, with DGET being the shortest and simplest.
Comparison of Results:
- The tutorial illustrates how VLOOKUP and XLOOKUP can return incorrect results if the order of columns is altered.
- INDEX and DGET handle changes in column order more gracefully.
Final Recommendation:
- Although the tutorial focuses on the four functions, Nabil suggests using the FILTER function as a more efficient alternative for similar tasks, noting its simplicity and shorter formula length.

Methodology/Instructions:

VLOOKUP:
- Use =VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, column_index_number, range_lookup)
- Lock references as needed and utilize the COLUMNS function for dynamic column indexing.
XLOOKUP:
- Use =XLOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_array, return_array)
- Requires careful locking of references for nested XLOOKUP functions.
INDEX:
- Use =INDEX(array, row_num, column_num)
- Combine with MATCH functions to determine row and column numbers.
DGET:
- Use =DGET(database, field, criteria)
- Select the entire database including headers and set criteria for filtering.
FILTER (recommended alternative):
- Use =FILTER(array, include)
- Simple and dynamic without needing to lock references.