SUMIF or LOOKUP?

[hakim_tanzil]

When we have the option to choose between SUMIF or LOOKUP, which one would you use? Which one is more effective?

I have a huge database on the employers name, date of birth, location and salary. When I use the VLOOKUP function to get one of the employer's salary on my other sheets (ex. =VLOOKUP(A1,'SHEET1'!A:D,4,FALSE)), of course I'll get what I want. But sometimes, mostly every year, when I need to add/delete the information in between those column or change the column's arrangement, the part on the col_index will still stick on 4, rather than automatically follow the changed pattern. I personally think that the SUMIF function (ex. =SUMIF('SHEET1'!A:A,A1,'SHEET1'!D:D)) is more easier to work with as when you add/delete/change the column, the sum_range part will automatically change itself. I understand that SUMIF function won't get me the name/date of birth/ or any text that I needed, and in that case I'd have to go back to the LOOKUP function.

I'm really looking forward to any of your thoughts/inputs on this discussion. As I always have this doubtful feeling when I had to choose between SUMIF or LOOKUP function.

 

[lundbhaiz]

=VLOOKUP(A1,'SHEET1'!A:D,4,FALSE))

instead use the column reference like this:-

=VLOOKUP(A1,Sheet1!A:D,COLUMNS(D1),FALSE) which returns 4 as column number. so when you make changes, the column reference will get adjusted but i did not test this and it only my suggestion and view.

 

[lundbhaiz]

beside, lookup() formula is different than vlookup. dont mix both togather.

 

[hakim_tanzil]

Thanks lundBhaiz. Im using ipad now, might try your suggestion change to COLUMN tomorrow. Let you know.

Ok, let me get this right.

When we have the option to choose between SUMIF or VLOOKUP, which one would you use? Which one is more effective?