MATCH

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the MATCH function in Excel. The MATCH function is a powerful and versatile tool that can help you search for a specific value within a range or array and return its relative position. This function is particularly useful when you need to find the position of a value in a list, table, or any other data set.

MATCH Syntax

The syntax for the MATCH function is as follows:

=MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_array, [match_type])

Where:

• lookup_value is the value you want to find within the lookup_array.
• lookup_array is the range or array in which you want to search for the lookup_value.
• match_type (optional) is a number that specifies how the function should perform the match. It can be -1, 0, or 1. If omitted, the default value is 0.

The match_type argument has the following options:

• -1: Finds the largest value that is less than or equal to the lookup_value. The lookup_array must be sorted in ascending order.
• 0: Finds the first value that is exactly equal to the lookup_value. The lookup_array does not need to be sorted.
• 1: Finds the smallest value that is greater than or equal to the lookup_value. The lookup_array must be sorted in ascending order.

MATCH Examples

Let’s explore some examples of how to use the MATCH function in Excel.

Example 1: Basic MATCH function

Suppose you have a list of names in cells A1:A5, and you want to find the position of the name “John” in the list. You can use the following formula:

=MATCH(“John”, A1:A5, 0)

If “John” is found in cell A3, the formula will return 3 as the relative position.

Example 2: MATCH with a sorted list

Imagine you have a sorted list of numbers in cells B1:B10, and you want to find the position of the number 25 or the closest smaller number in the list. You can use the following formula:

=MATCH(25, B1:B10, -1)

If the closest smaller number is found in cell B6, the formula will return 6 as the relative position.

Example 3: MATCH with a horizontal range

If you have a horizontal range of values in cells C1:G1 and you want to find the position of the value 50, you can use the following formula:

=MATCH(50, C1:G1, 0)

If the value 50 is found in cell E1, the formula will return 3 as the relative position (since E1 is the third cell in the range C1:G1).

MATCH Tips & Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the MATCH function in Excel:

• Use the MATCH function with other functions like INDEX to perform more advanced lookups. For example, you can use INDEX and MATCH together to find the value in a two-dimensional table based on row and column criteria.
• If you need to find the position of a value within a range that contains duplicates, you can use an array formula with the IF function to return an array of positions for all occurrences of the lookup_value.
• Remember that the MATCH function is not case-sensitive. If you need to perform a case-sensitive match, you can use an array formula with the EXACT function.

Common Mistakes When Using MATCH

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using the MATCH function:

• Using an incorrect match_type value or forgetting to specify it. Remember that the default value is 0, which requires an exact match.
• Not sorting the lookup_array when using match_type -1 or 1. The function may return incorrect results if the lookup_array is not sorted as required.
• Using a lookup_array that is too large or too small. Make sure the range you specify includes all the values you want to search and does not include unnecessary cells.

Why Isn’t My MATCH Function Working?

If your MATCH function is not working as expected, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

• Check the syntax of your formula and make sure you have specified the correct arguments.
• Ensure that the lookup_array is sorted correctly if you are using match_type -1 or 1.
• Verify that the lookup_value exists in the lookup_array if you are using match_type 0.
• Consider using an array formula if you need to perform a case-sensitive match or find multiple occurrences of a value.

MATCH: Related Formulae

Here are some related formulae that you may find useful when working with the MATCH function:

• INDEX: The INDEX function returns the value at a specific row and column within a range or array. It can be used with MATCH to perform advanced lookups.
• VLOOKUP: The VLOOKUP function searches for a value in the first column of a table and returns a value in the same row from a specified column. It is a simpler alternative to using INDEX and MATCH for vertical lookups.
• HLOOKUP: The HLOOKUP function works similarly to VLOOKUP but searches for a value in the first row of a table and returns a value in the same column from a specified row. It is useful for horizontal lookups.
• XLOOKUP: The XLOOKUP function is a more powerful and flexible alternative to VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP. It can perform vertical and horizontal lookups, return multiple values, and handle arrays.
• LOOKUP: The LOOKUP function is a more basic alternative to MATCH. It searches for a value in a one-row or one-column range and returns a value from the same position in a second one-row or one-column range.

By mastering the MATCH function and its related formulae, you can greatly enhance your ability to search, analyze, and manipulate data in Excel.