Find function vs Search function in Excel

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The FIND function and the SEARCH function are very similar to each other. This example shows the difference.

1. To find the position of a substring in a string, use the FIND function. FIND is case-sensitive.

2. To find the position of a substring in a string, use the SEARCH function. SEARCH is case-insensitive.

Worked Example:   How to check cell that contains specific text in Excel

Note: string “excel” found at position 11. Even though it’s actually the string “Excel”

3. The SEARCH function is more versatile. You can use wildcard characters when you use this function.

Worked Example:   How to get first word in Excel

Note: A question mark (?) matches exactly one character. An asterisk (*) matches a series of zero or more characters.

4. One other interesting point to mention about the FIND and the SEARCH function is that they have a 3rd optional argument. You can use this argument to indicate the position, counting from the left, at which you want to start searching.

Worked Example:   Count rows that contain specific values in Excel

Note: string “o” found at position 5.

Note: string “o” found at position 7 (started searching at position 6).

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