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SEARCH
A easy text formula for locating text without worrying about letter case.
Syntax
=SEARCH(...)Step-by-step explanation
- 1Understand the job that SEARCH solves before you type the formula.
- 2Build or select the cells and ranges that SEARCH needs before typing it.
- 3Check the output and refine the range or criteria if needed.
Common mistakes
Expecting it to be case-sensitive
Using it when an exact match is required
Forgetting it returns a position value
Example table
A quick scenario to connect the syntax to the result.
| 12 | 18 |
| 8 | 42 |
Formula
=SEARCH(A1:B2)
Result
42
Worked example
- 1Read the sample data first so you know what the formula needs to solve.
- 2Enter =SEARCH(A1:B2) in the result cell and press Enter.
- 3Check that the output matches 42.
Practice area
Use SEARCH when you want case-insensitive text matching in a string.
Match against the syntax block above.