What it does
MATCH returns the position of a value inside a range.
Syntax or pattern
=MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_array, [match_type])5 practical examples
Find a product position
Return where a product appears in a list.
=MATCH(A2, Products[Product], 0)The result is a number showing the item position.
Find a month column
Return the column number for a month header.
=MATCH(H1, Sales[#Headers], 0)Useful inside INDEX or other formulas.
Check if a value exists
Use ISNUMBER with MATCH to test if an item is in a list.
=ISNUMBER(MATCH(A2, ProductList, 0))TRUE means the item was found.
Find a row for INDEX
Use MATCH as the row argument inside INDEX.
=INDEX(Prices, MATCH(A2, Products, 0))This is the classic INDEX MATCH pattern.
Approximate position in sorted values
Find where a value fits into sorted thresholds.
=MATCH(B2, Thresholds, 1)Use this only when thresholds are sorted ascending.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting exact match mode.
- Expecting MATCH to return the value instead of the position.
- Using approximate match on unsorted data.
Related Excel examples
FAQ
What does MATCH return?
It returns the relative position of the match, not the matched value.
Here are some ideas for you
Optional resources that may help if you are learning formulas, building reports, or working in spreadsheets often.
- Excel formula booksSee ideas
Practice formulas with structured examples you can keep beside your desk.
- Excel shortcut guidesSee ideas
Build speed with keyboard shortcuts for selection, formatting and navigation.
- Numeric keypadsSee ideas
Helpful if you enter many numbers on a laptop or compact keyboard.
- External monitorsSee ideas
Useful for viewing large worksheets, formulas and reference tables side by side.
- Desk notebooksSee ideas
Sketch formula logic, report ideas and table structures before building.
- Laptop standsSee ideas
Make long spreadsheet sessions more comfortable and ergonomic.
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