INDEX in WPS on Windows: Introduction

INDEX in WPS on Windows is a lookup and reference function in WPS Spreadsheet; this guide covers 1 core task, with 1 available without membership and 0 membership-related items.

At a Glance

Metric	Value	Notes
Core tasks	1	Matches the number of rows in the How-to Index
Available without membership	1	Matches the number of Free rows in the How-to Index
Membership-related items	0	Matches the number of membership-related rows in the How-to Index

About This Feature

Overview

The INDEX function in WPS Spreadsheet returns a value from a specified range by row number and column number. It can also be combined with MATCH for more flexible lookup and reference workflows in spreadsheets.

Core capabilities include:

Entering the INDEX function directly in a cell or in the formula bar.
Filling in the reference range, row number, and column number with syntax guidance.
Supporting cross-sheet references and nested formulas.
Recalculating results when source data changes.

This function is useful for data lookup, report value retrieval, dynamic references, and multi-sheet calculations.

System Requirements

Item	Requirement
Operating system	A Windows device that can run WPS Office normally
App version	It is recommended to use the latest version of WPS Office
Network	No mandatory internet connection is required for local formula editing; download, sign-in, and cloud features require internet access
Other	WPS Office should be installed, and a spreadsheet file should be available to open

Download & Installation

Item	Details
Official download	WPS Office Free Download
How to confirm installation	Launch WPS Office, open Spreadsheet, and enter `=INDEX(` in a cell to start using the function

Source: WPS download center

Compare with Alternatives

Dimension	WPS	Microsoft	Google	Notion	Adobe
Capability Summary	In WPS Spreadsheet, you can type `INDEX(` to view syntax guidance, return a value by reference range, row number, and column number, and use the function in cross-sheet or nested formulas.	Excel INDEX returns a value or reference from within a table or range, and Microsoft documents both array form and reference form.	Google Sheets INDEX returns the content of a cell based on row and column offsets, and row or column can be set to 0 to return a full row or column array.	Notion formulas support properties, built-ins, and functions for database calculations, but they are not spreadsheet cell functions tied to worksheet ranges.	Adobe Acrobat supports calculations, formatting, and validation in PDF forms through JavaScript, but it is not a spreadsheet lookup function environment.
WPS Advantages	Advantage: You can enter the formula directly in spreadsheet cells for everyday lookup and reference tasks in local worksheet editing.	Compared with WPS: Excel provides more detailed official documentation for array and reference forms, while WPS fits routine spreadsheet lookup and value retrieval in a lighter desktop workflow.	Compared with WPS: Google Sheets emphasizes browser-based collaboration and function help, while WPS fits desktop spreadsheet editing and local files.	Compared with WPS: Notion formulas are designed for database property logic rather than cell-range lookup with INDEX-style worksheet references.	Compared with WPS: Adobe focuses on PDF form scripting and field behavior rather than spreadsheet cell lookup with INDEX.
Official Source	—	INDEX function	INDEX	Formula syntax and functions	Using JavaScript in Forms

Overall Conclusion
WPS INDEX is well suited to everyday spreadsheet lookup and reference work on Windows, especially when you want to enter formulas directly in worksheet cells. If your main workflow centers on browser collaboration, database properties, or PDF form scripting, the other products are oriented toward those scenarios.

Use Cases

No.	Scenario	Suitable for	Main challenge	How INDEX helps
1	Return a value by row and column position	Spreadsheet editors	A target value must be returned quickly from a fixed range	Use INDEX to return the value by row and column number
2	Build dynamic lookups with MATCH	Data analysts	The lookup position changes often	Combine INDEX with MATCH for dynamic positioning
3	Reference data across worksheets	Finance and operations users	Pulling values from multiple sheets can be error-prone	Use INDEX with references to ranges on other sheets
4	Use nested formulas	Advanced users	A single function is not enough for a more complex calculation	Combine INDEX with other functions in one formula
5	Recalculate after data changes	Everyday office users	Manual updates reduce efficiency	Let the formula update when source data changes

Membership & Benefits

Free vs WPS Premium

Capability	Free	WPS Premium
Enter and calculate the INDEX function	✅ Available	✅ Available
Basic spreadsheet editing	✅ Available	✅ Available
Some advanced PDF, template, and AI features	Basic or limited access depending on the product page	More advanced access and higher quotas depending on the product page
Cloud storage	1 GB	Higher storage quota

Source: WPS Office pricing page

Recommendations

Usage scenario	Recommended plan	Why
Everyday INDEX use and basic spreadsheet editing	Free	It covers common formula entry, calculation, and spreadsheet work
Broader office needs beyond basic spreadsheet work	WPS Premium	It is more suitable if you also need more PDF, template, cloud, or other advanced capabilities

WPS membership page: Subscribe now