How to Use MATCH Function in Excel

Excel is a widely-used software for data analysis and management. If you deal with large amounts of data on a regular basis, Excel’s MATCH function can be a powerful tool to automate and streamline your workflow. MATCH function allows you to search for a particular value or item in a list or table, and return its position or index. In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about using MATCH function in Excel, including the syntax, examples, and best practices.

Syntax of MATCH function in Excel

The syntax of the MATCH function in Excel is as follows:

MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_array, [match_type])

The first argument, lookup_value, is the value that you want to find within the lookup_array. The second argument, lookup_array, is one or more cells that contain the data to search. The optional third argument, match_type, specifies the type of match to be performed.

match_type options

The match_type argument can have one of the following values:

• 0 (default) – exact match
• 1 – approximate match (less than or equal to)
• -1 – approximate match (greater than or equal to)

Using MATCH function for exact match

If you are looking for an exact match, use the default match_type argument, which is 0. For example, if you have a list of product names in column A and their associated prices in column B, you can use the MATCH function to find the position of a specific product name.

=MATCH(“Product A”, A1:A10, 0)

In this example, Excel will search for “Product A” within cells A1 through A10 and return the position of the cell that contains the exact match.

Using MATCH function for approximate match

If you are looking for an approximate match, use either 1 or -1 as the match_type argument, depending on whether you want to find the closest match that is less than or equal to, or greater than or equal to, the lookup_value. For example, if you have a list of GPA scores and you want to find the corresponding letter grade, you can use the MATCH function with an approximate match.

=MATCH(3.1, D1:D5, -1)

In this example, Excel will search for the value 3.1 within cells D1 through D5 and return the position of the cell that contains the closest match that is greater than or equal to 3.1.

Tips for using MATCH function in Excel

Here are some best practices to keep in mind when working with the MATCH function in Excel:

• Make sure the lookup_array is sorted in ascending order for an approximate match.
• If the lookup_value does not exist in the lookup_array and you are using an approximate match, the function will return a #N/A error message.
• Use the INDEX function with the MATCH function to return the value in a specific cell based on its position.

Using MATCH function in combination with INDEX function

The INDEX function in Excel helps you return the value in a specific cell based on its position. To use the INDEX function with MATCH function, you can specify the lookup_array as the range of cells that contains the values you want to return, and the row or column number that matches the position returned by MATCH function.

For example, if you have a table of student names and their corresponding test scores, you can use the MATCH function to find the position of a specific name and then use the INDEX function to return the test score in the same row.

=INDEX(C2:C10,MATCH(“Student A”,B2:B10,0))

This formula will search for “Student A” within cells B2 through B10 and return the position of the cell that contains the exact match. The INDEX function will then return the value in the same row, but from column C instead, which is the test score associated with “Student A”.

MATCH function alternatives in Excel

While the MATCH function is a powerful tool for finding values in a list or table, there are other functions in Excel that serve similar purposes. Here are some of the alternatives:

VLOOKUP function

The VLOOKUP function is used to find specific data in a table by looking up a value in the first column of the table and returning a value in the same row.

FIND function

The FIND function is used to search for a specific character or text string within another text string and return the starting position of the match.

LOOKUP function

The LOOKUP function is used to look up values in a vector (i.e., a one-dimensional range of cells) and return a corresponding value from the same position in another vector.

The MATCH function is a valuable tool for finding values in a list or table within Excel, and it can help to streamline your workflow and automate certain tasks. With a good understanding of the syntax and options available, you will be able to use the MATCH function to its full potential.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions related to using the MATCH function in Excel:

What is the main purpose of the MATCH function in Excel?

The MATCH function in Excel is used to search for a value in a list or table, and return its position or index. It is a useful tool for automating certain tasks and streamlining your workflow, especially when dealing with large amounts of data.

How do I use the MATCH function in Excel to find the position of a value in a list?

To use the MATCH function in Excel, you need to specify the value you want to find and the range of cells that contain the list of values. The function will return the position of the cell that contains a match for the specified value. You can also specify whether you want an exact match or an approximate match.

Can I use the MATCH function in combination with another function in Excel?

Yes, the MATCH function can be combined with other functions in Excel, such as the INDEX function, to return values based on a specific position. For example, you can use the MATCH function to find the position of a person’s name in a list, and the INDEX function to return their corresponding phone number.

What is the difference between an exact match and an approximate match in the MATCH function?

An exact match in the MATCH function means that the function will only return the position of the exact same value as the one you specified. An approximate match means that the function will return the position of the closest match to the specified value. You can specify whether you want an approximate match that is less than or equal to, or greater than or equal to, the specified value.

What are some best practices for using the MATCH function in Excel?

Some best practices for using the MATCH function in Excel include sorting the lookup_array in ascending order for an approximate match, using the INDEX function with the MATCH function to return values based on position, and being mindful of error messages that may occur if the specified value cannot be found in the lookup_array.