Excel sheet with over 1000 index/match array functions too slow

I have an Excel spreadhseet that makes use of over 1000 index/match functions on several criteria, and the sheet takes too long to do anything (I have calcuation options set to manual to even make it run faster). It takes about 30 minutes for it to even save.

Is it because index/match array functions are just slower? Would I be better off using a helper column and switching to vlookups instead?

Also, e.g., for the match functions I'm using something like this for the boolean paramater:
(B2=Sheet2!B:B)*(C2=Sheet2!D:D), etc.
Is it because I'm using entire columns that's making the file run slow? This is because the amount of rows of data in Sheet 2 can vary, and I can't do something like xldown (from VBA) in an Excel formula to find the bottom row.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

"Yep, that's the reason => take a range instead e.g. ((B2=Sheet2!B1:B5000)*(C2=Sheet2!D1:D5000))"

The amount of rows can vary (user inputs the data to Sheet 2). What can I do to specify some arbitrary range that goes to the last row?

"Maybe you can also work with an pivot table soluition."

Do you mean turning the table into a pivot table and using GETPIVOTDATA?