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MATCH
A medium position formula that tells you where a value appears inside a list.
Syntax
=MATCH(...)Step-by-step explanation
- 1Find the value you want to look up and the table that contains the answer.
- 2Point the formula at the lookup range and the return range or position.
- 3Press Enter and confirm that Excel returns the matching record.
Common mistakes
Forgetting exact match mode
Searching the wrong direction
Expecting it to return the value instead of the position
Example table
A quick scenario to connect the syntax to the result.
| East |
| West |
| North |
Formula
=MATCH("West",A1:A3,0)
Result
2
Worked example
- 1Read the sample data first so you know what the formula needs to solve.
- 2Enter =MATCH("West",A1:A3,0) in the result cell and press Enter.
- 3Check that the output matches 2.
Practice area
Use MATCH when you need the row or column position rather than the returned value itself.
Match against the syntax block above.