What is MATCH Function in Excel?

1. Understanding the MATCH Function in Excel
2. Syntax the match function
3. How the MATCH Function Works
4. Examples of Using the MATCH Function
5. Combining MATCH Function with Other Functions
6. Conclusion

Understanding the MATCH Function in Excel

Excel, the ubiquitous spreadsheet programme, is a strong tool extensively used in numerous sectors for data analysis, computations, and reporting. If you want to grasp Excel for business or personal reasons, enrolling in an Excel Course can help. The MATCH function in Excel is a vital tool frequently used for data processing and search operations. In this detailed article, we will dig into the idea and application of the MATCH function in Excel, providing you with the expertise to explore and edit data quickly.

Syntax of the MATCH Function

The syntax of the MATCH function is as follows:

=MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_array, [match_type])  

lookup_value: The value you want to find within the lookup_array.

lookup_array: The range or array where Excel will search for the lookup_value.

[match_type]: An optional argument specifying the matching type to perform. It can take the values 1, 0, or -1, representing exact match, approximate match (default), and exact match (for sorted range), respectively.

How the MATCH Function Works

When you use the MATCH function, Excel searches the lookup_array for the lookup_value. If the lookup_value is discovered, the function returns the value's relative location inside the range. For example, if the lookup_value is located in the third place in the range, the function will return the value "3."

In cases where the lookup_value is not found in the lookup_array, the function will return an error value, such as "#N/A" (Not Available).

Examples of Using the MATCH Function

Let's explore some practical examples of using the MATCH function in Excel:

Exact Match

Suppose you have a list of fruits in column A, and you want to find the position of the fruit "Orange" in the list:

A
1   Apple
2   Banana
3   Orange
4   Mango
5   Kiwi

The formula to find the position of "Orange" would be:

=MATCH("Orange", A1:A5, 0)

Excel will return the value "3," as "Orange" is found in the third position of the range.

Approximate Match (Sorted Range)

Now, let's consider a sorted list of ages in column B, and you want to find the position of the value "35":

B
1   25
2   30
3   35
4   40
5   45

The formula to find the approximate position of "35" would be:

=MATCH(35, B1:B5, 1)

Excel will return the value "3," as "35" is found in the third position of the sorted range.

Approximate Match (Unsorted Range)

In this example, let's consider an unsorted list of scores in column C, and you want to find the position of the value "70":

C
1   85
2   90
3   70
4   65
5   80

The formula to find the approximate position of "70" would be:

=MATCH(70, C1:C5, 0)

Excel will return the value "3," as "70" is found in the third position of the range.

Combining MATCH Function with Other Functions

When used with other functions, such as INDEX and VLOOKUP, the MATCH function reveals its actual potential. For example, you may use the MATCH function to locate the location of a lookup value and then use the INDEX function to obtain similar data from another column or row.

For example, using the same data as the first example:

A                  B
1   Apple          25
2   Banana         30
3   Orange         35
4   Mango          40
5   Kiwi           45

If you want to retrieve the corresponding age of "Orange," you can use the following formula:

=INDEX(B1:B5, MATCH("Orange", A1:A5, 0))

Excel will return the value "35," as "Orange" is found in the third position, and the corresponding age is "35."

Conclusion

Excel's MATCH function is useful for effectively locating values inside ranges, allowing for smooth data processing and search operations. Understanding how to utilise the MATCH function in conjunction with other Excel functions will improve your ability to deal with huge datasets and dramatically speed up your data analysis procedures. You may become adept in data management and reporting by understanding this function and enrolling in an Excel Course to study additional Excel capabilities, making you an asset in the workplace and beyond.