Formula Errors

Fix INDEX MATCH Formula Turning Into Text from Google Sheets to Excel

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to fix an issue where INDEX/MATCH formulas display as plain text instead of calculating results after migrating a spreadsheet from Google Sheets to Microsoft Excel.

Product: Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Migrating a spreadsheet from Google Sheets to Excel and expanding the referenced data ranges.
Observed behavior: The INDEX/MATCH array formula appears as text instead of evaluating properly, and editing the cell removes the curly braces, causing confusion about correct array formula syntax.

Before you start

Before editing your formulas, ensure your cell format is set to 'General' rather than 'Text' in the Number Format dropdown, as this is a common reason formulas display as plain text.

Solution 1Recommended

Update the Formula Range and Remove Curly Braces

In newer versions of Microsoft Excel, dynamic arrays natively handle ranges without requiring traditional array formula curly braces, resolving the formula text error.

In Microsoft 365, Office 2024, and Office 2021, you no longer need to wrap your formulas in curly braces {} using Ctrl+Shift+Enter. Simply updating the formula ranges and pressing Enter is sufficient.

Select the Formula Cell

Click on the cell containing the INDEX MATCH formula that is currently displaying as text.

Update Formula References

Click into the Formula Bar and ensure both range references are updated correctly for your new spreadsheet (for example: =INDEX(GageSL!$A$2:$I$5000,MATCH("*"&F4&"*",GageSL!$A$2:$A$5000,0),6)).

Apply the Formula

Press Enter to apply the formula normally. Do not use Ctrl+Shift+Enter, as modern Excel versions handle arrays dynamically.

Older Versions of Excel: If you are using an older version of Excel (like Office 2016 or 2019), you may still need to highlight the formula and press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to evaluate the formula correctly as an array.

Solution 2

Replace INDEX MATCH with XLOOKUP

XLOOKUP is a modern, simpler alternative to INDEX/MATCH that does not rely on legacy array formula rules.

Seamless Spreadsheet Alternative

Easily Manage Array Formulas with WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Office provides excellent compatibility with Microsoft Excel formulas, including INDEX/MATCH and XLOOKUP. You can seamlessly open your Google Sheets or Excel files without worrying about broken array formulas.

1. Open Your File: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open the file exported from Google Sheets.
2. Edit the Formula: Click on the cell with the formula error, go to the formula bar, and update the range references.
3. Apply Changes: Press Enter to seamlessly recalculate the INDEX MATCH or XLOOKUP formula without syntax errors.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formats and complex formulas.Fully supports advanced lookup functions like INDEX, MATCH, and XLOOKUP.Lightweight, fast, and completely free to use for daily tasks.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Excel formula show as text instead of calculating?

This usually happens if the cell is formatted as 'Text' or if there is a leading apostrophe before the equals sign. Change the cell format to 'General' in the Home tab and press Enter in the formula bar to recalculate it.

Do I need to use curly braces for INDEX MATCH in Excel?

In newer versions of Excel (Microsoft 365, Office 2021, and Office 2024), dynamic arrays do not require curly braces. You can just press Enter. In older versions, you must press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to create array formulas.

Is XLOOKUP better than INDEX MATCH?

XLOOKUP is generally easier to write and read than INDEX MATCH, and it includes built-in error handling. However, INDEX MATCH is still useful for backward compatibility with older Excel versions that do not support XLOOKUP.

Excel & Data Problems