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MATCH.

Returns the relative numeric position of an item in a range.

SyntaxArgumentsExampleInteractive SandboxGeneratorCompatibilityFAQRelatedCheat Sheet
Category: Lookup & Reference
ExcelExcel 365Excel 2021Excel 2019Google Sheets

How it works.

MATCH searches for a specified value in a one-dimensional range of cells and returns the relative numeric position of that item.

Formula syntax.

Standard Excel Notation
=MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_array, [match_type])
Tip:Arguments wrapped in square brackets [like_this] are optional; all other arguments are required.

Formula arguments.

Every parameter accepted by the MATCH function is detailed below.

lookup_valueRequired

The value you want to find.

Example value: D2
lookup_arrayRequired

The single row or column to search.

Example value: A2:A5
match_typeOptional

0 for Exact Match (recommended), 1 for <=, -1 for >=.

Default: 0

Simple example.

Step-by-Step Scenario

Relative Row Position Lookup

Find the relative position of product code "P-20".

Product CodeRow Index
P-10—
P-20—
P-30—
Applied Formula
=MATCH("P-20", A2:A4, 0)
Expected Result:2

Evaluates MATCH over the sample table cells, placing the verified output in cell B2.

Formula generator.

Full Generator Wizard

Customize the argument fields below to generate a tailored MATCH formula ready to paste directly into your worksheet.

Generated FormulaReady to copy
=MATCH()

Expected result behavior.

Returns number 2 based on sample evaluation criteria and active cell references.

Sample Output:2
Output Type:Numeric (Double/Integer)

Best Practices

  • Almost always set match_type to 0 for exact text matches.

Common Mistakes

  • If match_type is omitted or set to 1, the range MUST be sorted in ascending order or incorrect positions will be returned.
Compatibility Database

Platform & version compatibility.

Verified platform compatibility matrix based on actual spreadsheet calculation engine specifications.

Excel✓
Supported
Excel 365✓
Supported
Excel 2021✓
Supported
Excel 2019✓
Supported
Google Sheets✓
Supported
Microsoft Excel History & Version Availability

Core standard function supported across all modern and legacy Microsoft Excel versions (365, 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010), as well as Excel for the Web and Mac.

Google Sheets Compatibility Notes

100% compatible with Google Sheets. Uses identical argument order, data types, and standard calculation logic.

Frequently asked questions.

Technical Q&A
Can I use MATCH across different worksheets in Excel?↓

Yes. You can reference cells located on other sheets by including the sheet name followed by an exclamation mark, for example: =MATCH(Sheet2!A2:A10). If the sheet name contains spaces, enclose it in single quotes: ='Q1 Report'!A2:A10.

What is the most common reason for errors in MATCH?↓

If match_type is omitted or set to 1, the range MUST be sorted in ascending order or incorrect positions will be returned.

Does MATCH work identically in Google Sheets?↓

Yes, MATCH is supported in both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets with standard evaluation behavior.