Excel OfficeExcel comes with multiple Lookup and Reference functions that let you find matching values. The Lookup and Reference functions help you to work with arrays of data, and are particularly useful when you need to cross reference between different data sets
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…. read more »
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… read more »
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… read more »
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,… read more »
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… read more »
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… read more »
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*… read more »
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… read more »
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… read more »
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… read more »