Excel MATCH Function | Formula Examples + FREE Video

Excel MATCH Function (Example + Video)

When to use Excel MATCH Function

Excel MATCH function can be used when you want to get the relative position of a lookup value in a list or an array.

What it Returns

It returns a number that represents the position of the lookup value.

Syntax

=MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_array, [match_type])

Input Arguments

• lookup_value – The value for which you are looking for a match in the lookup_array.
• lookup_array – The range of cells in which you are searching the lookup_value.
• [match_type] – (Optional) This specifies how excel should look for a matching value. It can take three values -1, 0 , or 1 (read additional notes below for more info).

Additional Notes

• Most widely used in conjunction with INDEX function.
• Wildcard characters can be used when lookup value is a text string.
• Match is not case-sensitive.
• Match returns the #N/A error if no match is found.
• Match type (match_type) specifies how excel matches the item in a list.
  • When Match Type is 0
    • This is the exact match criteria. It returns the first exact match position (or an error if there is no match).
  • When Match Type is 1 (default)
    • The data must be sorted in the ascending order for this option. It returns the largest value equal to or less than the lookup value.
  • When Match Type is -1
    • The data must be sorted in the descending order for this option. It returns the smallest value equal to or greater than the lookup value.

Excel MATCH Function – Live Example

Excel MATCH Function – Video Tutorial

Related Excel Tutorials:

• Excel VLOOKUP Function.
• Excel HLOOKUP Function.
• Excel INDEX Function.
• Excel INDIRECT Function.
• Excel OFFSET Function.

You May Also Like the Following Excel Tutorials:

• VLOOKUP Vs. INDEX/MATCH
• Using Excel INDEX MATCH Combo (with examples)
• Find the Closest Match of a Value in Excel.
• Find the Last Occurrence of an Item in a List in Excel.
• Get Unique Items from a List in Excel.