What is MATCH function in Excel? MATCH function is one of Lookup and Reference functions in Microsoft Excel that is used to search for an item in a range of cells, and then return the relative position of that item in the range. Syntax of MATCH function MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_array, [match_type]) MATCH formula explanation The MATCH function syntax has the following arguments: lookup_value:…
Tag: MATCH function
Basic text sort formula in Excel
To dynamically sort text values in alphabetical order, you can use use a formula based on the COUNTIF function. Formula =COUNTIF(range,”<=”&A1) Explanation In the example shown, the formula in C5 is: =COUNTIF(countries,”<=”&B5) where “countries” is the named range B4:B13 How this formula works This formula uses the “greater than or equal to” operator with text, something you might not have tried before.…
How to calculate two-way lookup VLOOKUP in Excel Table
To do a two-way lookup in an Excel Table, you can use the MATCH function with a structured reference and VLOOKUP. See example below: Recall that VLOOKUP depends on the lookup value being to the left of the value being retrieved in a table. Generally, this means the lookup value will be the first value in the table. If you have data where…
Example of COUNTIFS with variable table column in Excel
To use COUNTIFS with a variable table column, you can use INDEX and MATCH to find and retrieve the column for COUNTIFS. See example below: Formula =COUNTIFS(INDEX(Table,0,MATCH(name,Table[#Headers],0)),criteria)) Explanation In the example shown, the formula in H5 is: =COUNTIFS(INDEX(Table1,0,MATCH(G5,Table1[#Headers],0)),”x”) How this formula works First, for context, it’s important to note that you can use COUNTIFS with a regular structured reference like…
Get column index in Excel Table
To get the index of a column in an Excel Table, you can use the MATCH function. See example below: Formula =MATCH(name,Table[#Headers],0) Explanation In the example shown, the formula in I4 is: =MATCH(H4,Table1[#Headers],0) When the formula is copied down, it returns an index for each column listed in column H. Getting an index like this is useful when you want…
Check if range contains a value not in another range in Excel
To test if a range contains any values (i.e. at least one value) not in another range, you can use the SUMPRODUCT function with MATCH and ISNA. The MATCH function receives a single lookup value, and returns a single match if any. In this case, however, we are giving MATCH an array for lookup value, so it will return an…
How to get last row in text data in Excel
To get the last relative position (i.e. last row, last column) for text data (with or without empty cells), you can use the MATCH function. See example below: Formula =MATCH(bigtext,range) Explanation In the example shown, the formula in E5 is: =MATCH(REPT(“z”,255),B4:B11) How this formula works This formula uses the MATCH function in approximate match mode to locate the last text value in…
How to get last row in numeric data in Excel
To get the last relative position (i.e. last row, last column) for numeric data (with or without empty cells), you can use the MATCH function with a so called “big number”. see example below: Formula =MATCH(bignum,range) Explanation In the example shown, the formula in E5 is: =MATCH(9.99E+307,B4:B9) Last *relative* position, not row on worksheet When building advanced formulas that create…
How to get last row in mixed data with blanks in Excel
To get the last relative position (i.e. last row, last column) for mixed data that may contain empty cells, you can use the MATCH function as described below. Note: this is an array formula and must be entered with Control+Shift+Enter. Formula {=MATCH(2,1/(range<>””))} Explanation In the example shown, the formula in E5 is: {=MATCH(2,1/(B4:B10<>””))} Last *relative* position, not row on worksheet…
How to retrieve first match between two ranges in Excel
To retrieve the first match in two ranges of values, you can use a formula based on the INDEX, MATCH, and COUNTIF functions. Formula =INDEX(range2,MATCH(TRUE,COUNTIF(range1,range2)>0,0)) Explanation In the example shown, the formula in G5 is: =INDEX(range2,MATCH(TRUE,COUNTIF(range1,range2)>0,0)) where “range1” is the named range B5:B8, “range2” is the named range D5:D7. How this formula works In this example the named range “range1” refers to cells B5:B8,…
How to generate random number weighted probability in Excel
To generated a random number, weighted with a given probability, you can use a helper table together with a formula based on the RAND and MATCH functions. Formula =MATCH(RAND(),cumulative_probability) Explanation In the example shown, the formula in F5 is: =MATCH(RAND(),D$5:D$10) How this formula works This formula relies on the helper table visible in the range B4:D10. Column B contains the…
Find most frequent text within a range with criteria in Excel
To find the most frequently occurring text in a range, based on criteria you supply, you can use an array formula based on several Excel functions MATCH, MODE, INDEX, and IF. Formula =INDEX(range1,MODE(IF(range2=criteria, MATCH(range1,range1,0)))) Note: this is an array formula and must be entered with control + shift + enter. Explanation In the example shown, the formula in G5 is: =INDEX(supplier,MODE(IF(client=F5, MATCH(supplier,supplier,0))))…
Extract most frequently occurring text in Excel
To extract the word or text value that occurs most frequently in a range, you can use a formula based on several functions INDEX, MATCH, and MODE. Formula =INDEX(range,MODE(MATCH(range,range,0))) Explanation In the example shown, the formula in H5 is: =INDEX(B5:F5,MODE(MATCH(B5:F5,B5:F5,0))) Working from the inside out, the MATCH function matches the range against itself. That is, we give the MATCH function…
How to calculate next scheduled event in Excel
To get the next scheduled event from a list of events with dates, you can use an array formula based on the MIN and TODAY functions to find the next date, and INDEX and MATCH to display the event on that date. Formula {=MIN(IF((range>=TODAY()),range))} Note: this is an array formula and must be entered with Control + Shift + Enter. Explanation In…
Get work hours between dates custom schedule in Excel
To calculate work hours between two dates with a custom schedule, you can use a formula based on the WEEKDAY and SUMPRODUCT functions, with help from ROW, INDIRECT, and MID. Formula =SUMPRODUCT(MID(schedule,WEEKDAY (ROW(INDIRECT(start&”:”&end))),1)*ISNA (MATCH(ROW(INDIRECT(start&”:”&end)),holidays,0))) Explanation In the example shown, the formula in F8 is: =SUMPRODUCT(MID(D6,WEEKDAY(ROW (INDIRECT(B6&”:”&C6))),1)*ISNA(MATCH (ROW(INDIRECT(B6&”:”&C6)),holidays,0))) Which returns 36 hours, based on a custom schedule where 8 hours are…
How to abbreviate names or words in Excel
To abbreviate text that contains capital letters, you can try this array formula based on the TEXTJOIN function, which is new in Excel 2016. You can use this approach to create initials from names, or to create acronyms. Only capital letters will survive this formula, so the source text must include capitalized words. You can use the PROPER function to capitalize words…
Excel Data validation specific characters only
Set criteria to accept specific characters only To use data validation to allow a list of specific characters only, you can use a rather complicated array formula based on the COUNT, MATCH, and LEN functions. Formula =COUNT(MATCH(MID(A1,ROW(INDIRECT (“1:”&LEN(A1))),1),allowed&””,0))=LEN(A1) Explanation In the example shown, data validation is applied with this formula: =COUNT(MATCH(MID(B5,ROW(INDIRECT (“1:”&LEN(B5))),1),allowed&””,0))=LEN(B5) where “allowed” is the named range D5:D11. How this formula…
Highlight approximate match lookup conditional formatting in Excel
This tutorial shows how to Highlight approximate match lookup conditional formatting in Excel using the example below; Formula =OR($B5=LOOKUP(width,widths),B$5=LOOKUP(height,heights)) Explanation To highlight rows and columns associated with an approximate match, you can use conditional formatting with a formula based on the LOOKUP function together with with a logical function like OR or AND. In the example shown, the formula used to…
Categorize text with keywords in Excel
This tutorial shows how to Categorize text with keywords in Excel using the example below; Formula {=INDEX(categories,MATCH(TRUE,ISNUMBER (SEARCH(keywords,text)),0))} Explanation To categorize text using keywords with a “contains” match, you can use the SEARCH function, with help from INDEX and MATCH. In the example shown, the formula in C5 is: {=INDEX(categories,MATCH(TRUE, ISNUMBER(SEARCH(keywords,B5)),0))} where “keywords” is the named range E5:E14, and “categories” is the…
Two-way lookup with INDEX and MATCH in Excel
This tutorial shows how to calculate Two-way lookup with INDEX and MATCH in Excel using the example below; Formula =INDEX(data,MATCH(val,rows,1),MATCH(val,columns,1)) Explanation To lookup in value in a table using both rows and columns, you can build a formula that does a two-way lookup with INDEX and MATCH. In the example shown, the formula in J8 is: =INDEX(C6:G10,MATCH(J6,B6:B10,1),MATCH(J7,C5:G5,1)) Note that this…
Two-way lookup with VLOOKUP in Excel
This tutorial shows how to calculate Two-way lookup with VLOOKUP in Excel using the example below; Formula =VLOOKUP(lookup_value,table,MATCH(col_name,col_headers,0),0) Explanation Note: Inside the VLOOKUP function, the column index argument is normally hard-coded as a static number. However, you can also create a dynamic column index by using the MATCH function to locate the right column. This technique allows you to create a dynamic two-way lookup,…
Position of max value in list in Excel
This tutorial shows how to calculate Position of max value in list in Excel using the example below; Formula =MATCH(MAX(range),range,0) Explanation To get the position of the maximum value in a range (i.e. a list, table, or row), you can use the MAX function together with the MATCH function. In the example shown, the formula in I5 is: =MATCH(MAX(C3:C11),C3:C11,0) Which returns…
Position of first partial match in Excel
This tutorial shows how to work Position of first partial match using the example below; Formula =MATCH(“*text*”,range,0) Explanation To get the position of the first partial match (i.e. the cell that contains text you are looking for) you can use the MATCH function with wildcards. In the example shown, the formula in E8 is: =MATCH(“*”&E7&”*”,B6:B11,0) How this formula works The MATCH function returns the…
Partial match against numbers with wildcard in Excel
This tutorial shows how to calculate Partial match against numbers with wildcard in Excel using the example below; Formula {=MATCH(“*”&number&”*”,TEXT(range,”0″),0)} Explanation To perform a partial match (a substring match) against numbers, you can use an array formula based on MATCH and TEXT. Background Excel supports the wildcard characters “*” and “?”. However, if you use wildcards with a number, you’ll convert the numeric value to…
Next largest match with the MATCH function in Excel
This tutorial shows how to calculate Next largest match with the MATCH function in Excel using the example below; Formula =MATCH(value,array,-1) Explanation To lookup the “next largest” match in a set of values, you can use the MATCH function in approximate match mode, with -1 for match type. In the example shown, the formula in F7 is: =MATCH(F6,length,-1) where “length” is the…
Multi-criteria lookup and transpose in Excel
This tutorial shows how to work Multi-criteria lookup and transpose in Excel using the example below; Formula {=INDEX(range1,MATCH(1,($A1=range2)*(B$1=range3),0))} Explanation To perform a multi-criteria lookup and transpose results into a table, you can use an array formula based on INDEX and MATCH. In the example shown, the formula in G5 is: {=INDEX(amount,MATCH(1,($F5=location)*(G$4=date),0))} Note this formula is an array formula and must be entered with control +…
Merge tables with VLOOKUP in Excel
This tutorial shows how to Merge tables with VLOOKUP in Excel using the example below; Formula =VLOOKUP($A1,table,COLUMN()-x,0) Explanation To merge tables, you can use the VLOOKUP function to lookup and retrieve data from one table to the other. To use VLOOKUP this way, both tables must share a common id or key. This article explains how join tables using VLOOKUP and a calculated column…
Match next highest value in Excel
This tutorial shows how to Match next highest value in Excel using the example below; Formula =INDEX(data,MATCH(lookup,values)+1) Explanation To match the “next highest” value in a lookup table, you can use a formula based on INDEX and MATCH. In the example shown, the formula in F6 is: =INDEX(level,MATCH(F4,points)+1) where “level” is the named range C5:C9, and “points” is the named…
Match first error in Excel
This tutorial shows how to Match first error in Excel using the example below; Formula {=MATCH(TRUE,ISERROR(range),0)} Explanation If you need to match the first error in a range of cells, you can use an array formula based on the MATCH and ISERROR functions. In the example shown, the formula is: {=MATCH(TRUE,ISERROR(B4:B11),0)} This is an array formula, and must be entered…
Match first occurrence does not contain
This tutorial shows how to Match first occurrence does not contain in Excel using the example below; Formula {=MATCH(FALSE,logical_test,0)} Explanation To get the position of the first match that does not contain a specific value, you can use an array formula based on the MATCH, SEARCH, and ISNUMBER functions. In the example shown, the formula in E5 is: {=MATCH(FALSE,data=”red”,0)} where “data” is the named…
Lookup lowest value in Excel
This tutorial shows how to Lookup lowest value in Excel using the example below; Formula =INDEX(range,MATCH(MIN(vals),vals,0)) Explanation To lookup information associated with the lowest value in table, you can use a formula based on INDEX, MATCH, and MIN functions. In the example shown, a formula is used to identify the name of the contractor with the lowest bid. The formula…
Lookup entire row in Excel
This tutorial shows how to Lookup entire row in Excel using the example below; Formula =INDEX(data,MATCH(value,array,0),0) Explanation To lookup and retrieve an entire row, you use the INDEX and MATCH functions. In the example shown, the formula used to look up all values for the Central region is: =INDEX(C5:F8,MATCH(H5,B5:B8,0),0) How this formula works The gist: use MATCH to identify the…
INDEX and MATCH with multiple criteria in Excel
This tutorial shows how to calculate INDEX and MATCH with multiple criteria in Excel using the example below; Formula {=INDEX(range1,MATCH(1,(A1=range2)*(B1=range3)*(C1=range4),0))} Explanation To lookup values with INDEX and MATCH, using multiple criteria, you can use an array formula. In the example shown, the formula in H8 is: {=INDEX(E5:E11,MATCH(1,(H5=B5:B11)*(H6=C5:C11)*(H7=D5:D11),0))} Note: this is an array formula, and must be entered with control + shift…
Index and match on multiple columns in Excel
This tutorial shows how to calculate Index and match on multiple columns in Excel using the example below; Formula {=INDEX(range1,MATCH(1,MMULT(–(range2=critera), TRANSPOSE(COLUMN(range2)^0)),0))} Explanation To lookup a value by matching across multiple columns, you can use an array formula based on the MMULT, TRANSPOSE, COLUMN, and INDEX. In the example shown, the formula in H4 is: {=INDEX(groups,MATCH(1,MMULT(–(names=G4), TRANSPOSE(COLUMN(names)^0)),0))} where “names” is the named range C4:E7, and…
Join tables with INDEX and MATCH in Excel
This tutorial shows how to Join tables with INDEX and MATCH in Excel using the example below; Formula =INDEX(data,MATCH(lookup,ids,0),2) Explanation To join or merge tables that have a common id, you can use the INDEX and MATCH functions. In the example shown, the formula in E5 is: =INDEX(data,MATCH($C5,ids,0),2) where “data” is the named range H5:J8 and “ids” is the named range H5:H8.…
INDEX and MATCH descending order in Excel
This tutorial shows how to calculate INDEX and MATCH descending order in Excel using the example below; Formula =INDEX(range1,MATCH(lookup,range2,-1)) Explanation To retrieve values from a table where lookup values are sorted in descending order [Z-A] you can use INDEX and MATCH, with MATCH configured for approximate match using a match type of -1. In the example shown, the formula in F5…
Get nth match with VLOOKUP in Excel
This tutorial shows how to Get nth match with VLOOKUP in Excel using the example below; Formula =VLOOKUP(id_formula,table,4,0) Explanation To get the nth MATCH with VLOOKUP, you’ll need to add a helper column to your table that constructs a unique id that includes the count. If this isn’t practical, you can use an array formula based on INDEX and MATCH instead. =VLOOKUP(id&”-“&I6,data,4,0)…
Lookup entire column in Excel
This tutorial shows how to Lookup entire column in Excel using the example below; Formula =INDEX(data,0,MATCH(value,headers,0)) Explanation To lookup and retrieve an entire column, you can use a formula based on the INDEX and MATCH functions. In the example shown, the formula used to lookup all Q3 results is: =INDEX(C5:F8,0,MATCH(I5,C4:F4,0)) Note: this formula is embedded in the SUM function only…
Lookup and sum column in Excel
This tutorial shows how to Lookup and sum column in Excel using the example below; Formula =SUM(INDEX(data,0,MATCH(val,header,0))) Explanation To lookup and return the sum of a column, you can use the a formula based on the INDEX, MATCH and SUM functions. In the example shown, the formula in I7 is: =SUM(INDEX(C5:F11,0,MATCH(I6,C4:F4,0))) How this formula works The core of this formula…
Get information corresponding to max value in Excel
This tutorial shows how to Get information corresponding to max value in Excel using the example below; Formula =INDEX(range1,MATCH(MAX(range2),range2,0) Explanation To lookup information related to the maximum value in a range, you can use a formula that combines the MAX, INDEX, and MATCH functions. In the example shown, the formula in I8 is: =INDEX(F3:F11,MATCH(MAX(C3:C11),C3:C11,0)) Which returns the number 3920, representing…