MATCH Function
The MATCH function is one of the lookup and reference functions. It is used to return a relative position of a specified item in a range of cells.
The MATCH function syntax is:
MATCH(lookup-value, lookup-array[ , [match-type]])
where
lookup-value is a value in the lookup-array to search for. It can be a numeric, logical or text value, or a cell reference.
lookup-array is a single row or column you need to analyze.
match-type is a type of match. It's an optional argument. It can be one of the following numeric values:
| Numeric value | Meaning |
| 1 or omitted | The values must be sorted in ascending order. If the the exact match is not found, the function will return the largest value that is less than lookup-value. |
| 0 | The values can be sorted in any order. If the the exact match is not found, the function will return the #N/A error. |
| -1 | The values must be sorted in descending order. If the the exact match is not found, the function will return the smallest value that is greater than lookup-value. |
To apply the MATCH function,
- select the cell where you wish to display the result,
- click the Insert function icon situated at the top toolbar,
or right-click within a selected cell and select the Insert Function option from the menu,
or click the icon situated at the formula bar, - select the Lookup and Reference function group from the list,
- click the MATCH function,
- enter the required arguments separating them by comma,
- press the Enter button.
The result will be displayed in the selected cell.
