The MATCH function in Google Sheets can improve your performance if you need to search for a specific value within a range, especially when dealing with large datasets.
In this article, we'll explore the ways you can use the MATCH function in Google Sheets; see how it can make your work easier, how you can combine it with other functions; and we'll tackle some common issues you might run into when using it.
The MATCH function is similar to a search engine for the data in Google Sheets. You give it a value to look for, and it tells you the relative position of that value in a selected range of cells.
Here's why you might need to use MATCH in Google Sheets:
The syntax of the MATCH function is the following:
=MATCH(search_key, range, [search_type])
Where:
Let's break down the syntax of the MATCH function using an example with campaign IDs and platforms.
Our task is to find the position of the campaign with the platform "Google" in the list.
Our table's range is B3:D17, and we want to search within the Platform column (Column D).
Here's how we can use the MATCH function:
=MATCH("Google", C3:C17, 0)
Now, let's analyze the formula:
After entering the MATCH formula, Google Sheets returns the position number 2. This means that within the range C3:C17 (the "Platform" column), "Google" is found in the second position, counting from the top row. Essentially, the MATCH formula returns the relative position of “Google” within the specified range.
We'd like to share some common examples where you might find the MATCH function useful:
Now, let's say we want to find the position of the ad type "Banner" within this sorted range.
Here's how we can use the MATCH function:
=MATCH("Banner", B3:B17, 0)
When we input this formula into a cell, it will return the position of the first occurrence of "Banner" within the sorted range of ad types. If "Banner" appears in row 4, the formula will return 2 (assuming the range starts from row 3).
Similarly to the previous example, we can search for a specific text string within a range of data, regardless of whether the data is sorted or not with the MATCH formula. Let's find the position of the ad type "Live Broadcast".
The MATCH function will be the same:
=MATCH("Live Broadcast", B3:B17, 0)
Now, we want to find the position of a dynamically changing ad type. Let's use a cell reference containing the ad type we want to search for.
Suppose the ad type we're interested in is entered in cell D3. Let's use the MATCH formula to find its position.
Here's the formula:
=MATCH(D3, B3:B17, 0)
Google Sheets will search for the ad type that is mentioned in cell D3. If the ad type in D3 is "Sponsored Post" and it appears in row 6, the formula will return 4.
To find the position of the ad type "Banner" within the horizontal range, we can use the following MATCH formula:
=MATCH("Banner", B2:E2, 0)
Where:
If you need to work with horizontal ranges, the UNIQUE function in Google Sheets can be incredibly useful, as it automatically identifies and returns the unique values found in the horizontal range. For more detailed usage of the UNIQUE function, you can read our guide.
To find an approximate match of campaign costs using the MATCH function, first ensure that the Campaign Costs are sorted in ascending order. Then, we can use the MATCH function with the third argument set to 1 to find the position of the largest value less than or equal to the lookup value.
The Campaign Costs are listed in cells B3:B17. Suppose we want to find the approximate match of the campaign cost 200.
Here's how you can use the MATCH function with an approximate match:
=MATCH(200, B3:B17, 1)
Where:
Now, let's say we want to find the position of the date 21 May 2024 (or 21/05/2024) within this range.
Here's how you can use the MATCH function:
=MATCH(DATE(2024, 5, 21), B3:B17, 0)
Where:
MATCH formula can be blended with other functions like INDEX, VLOOKUP, and IFERROR to perform more complex tasks in Google Sheets. The combination of index and match functions is particularly powerful for advanced data retrieval. Using the index match formula, the MATCH function identifies the position of a value in a range, while the INDEX function retrieves data from specific row-column intersections.
This method, often referred to as index match in google, can outperform traditional lookup functions like VLOOKUP in various scenarios, including handling two-dimensional arrays.
Let's take a closer look at how each combination works:
When combined INDEX and MATCH functions can dynamically retrieve values by using MATCH to find the position and INDEX to return the corresponding value.
For example, with a list of campaign IDs in column B and corresponding ad types in column C, we can use MATCH to find the position of a specific campaign ID and then use Google Sheets INDEX function to retrieve the corresponding ad type.
Use the formula:
=INDEX(C:C, MATCH("C102", B:B, 0))
In Google Sheets, the MATCH can be effectively combined with VLOOKUP to perform dynamic vertical lookups. This method is especially useful when you need to retrieve data based on variable column positions that are not fixed within your dataset.
Suppose you have a dataset containing campaign IDs and their corresponding costs in a table. You want to look up the cost of a campaign based on its ID, where the ID and the cost columns may vary in their position within the table.
To achieve this, you can use the MATCH function to dynamically find the column index of the campaign cost and then use VLOOKUP to fetch the cost for a specific campaign ID.
Use the formula:
=VLOOKUP(G2, B3:D, MATCH(G3, B2:D2, 0), FALSE)
In this example:
This approach allows the formula to adapt to changes in the column order without any manual adjustment, enhancing its flexibility and reliability in dynamic datasets.
💡If manual processes are causing you headaches, consider using tools that automate data retrieval and overcome the limitations of the standard VLOOKUP formula with IF statements. Explore our complete guide on using VLOOKUP with IF statements in spreadsheets to simplify and enhance your data handling tasks.
If MATCH doesn't find a match, it returns an error. You can combine IFERROR with MATCH to handle errors gracefully.
If we're using MATCH to find the position of a value in a range, we can wrap the MATCH function with IFERROR to display a custom message or value instead of the error if no match is found.
Use the formula:
=IFERROR(MATCH("Poll", C2:C17, 0), "Not found")
Here are some best practices you can use to maximize its efficiency when the MATCH function searches for a specific value within a designated range in Google Sheets:
Learn the differences between exact match (0), close match (1), and reverse close match (-1) in MATCH.
Name ranges in your sheet to simplify formulas. This makes formulas easier to understand and manage, especially in big or complicated sheets.
Regularly check your data in Google Sheets for mistakes. Keep it accurate and consistent, so MATCH works correctly and gives the right results.
By providing clear explanations alongside your MATCH functions, you make it easier for anyone reviewing the sheet to grasp how data is imported and manipulated. This practice helps others, or even your future self, to understand your work better.
If you want to improve your Google Sheets skills, learn more about mastering more advanced functions like ARRAY, Pivot Table, etc:.
Even if you use Google Sheets formulas daily, mistakes can still happen. When working with the MATCH function, understanding the match functions is crucial. Here are some common errors to look out for and how to fix them quickly:
This error occurs when the value you are looking for is different from the ones within the range. Check if the data or reference exists, and ensure it's correctly spelled or formatted. If it's a formula error, verify the logic and input values.
This error tells about an incorrect data type or operation. For example, you can mistakenly use 01/15/2023 as a text-formatted date instead of a date value. In this case, check if the data is in the right format (convert it if needed) and adjust the formula accordingly.
The #REF! error means there's a problem with a cell reference. Check the cells referred to in your formula and update them if needed. Make sure you didn't delete or move any cells that the formula is using. If you did, adjust the formula to include the correct cells.
This error means the formula doesn't recognize a function or named range. Check the spelling and how it's written in the formula. Make sure all functions and ranges are named correctly and used properly.
This happens when a math calculation doesn't work, for example, dividing by zero or using negative numbers. Adjust the formula to handle these situations correctly or use the right numbers for calculations.
While spreadsheets help manage and organize data, not everyone on your team may be familiar with them. It's a good idea to use tools that can help you better organize, manage, and analyze your data beyond spreadsheets.
With the OWOX: Reports, Charts & Pivots Extension, you can easily pull data from BigQuery directly into Google Sheets to create comprehensive reports. The extension allows you to build dynamic charts, generate pivot tables, apply filters, and aggregate data in real-time. It ensures live data updates and simplifies sharing up-to-date reports, charts, and pivots with your team.
The MATCH function in Google Sheets searches for a specified value within a range and returns its relative position. It compares the search value with each value in the range and returns the position of the first occurrence.
Yes, the MATCH function can be used to search in a horizontal range by specifying the range horizontally instead of vertically in the formula.
Yes, you can combine the MATCH function with INDEX to perform more complex lookups. MATCH is used to find the position, and INDEX is used to retrieve the value at that position.
You can use the MATCH function to search for a date by specifying the date as the search key and the range containing dates. Ensure the dates are properly formatted to match the search key. The formula will be: =MATCH(DATE(YEAR, MONTH, DATE), range_of_dates, 0).
Ensure proper data sorting, use exact match for precise results, combine with other functions like INDEX, optimize data range, leverage dynamic lookups, and practice regular maintenance of data.
Common errors with MATCH include #N/A, #VALUE!, #REF!, #NAME?, and #NUM! errors. Fix them by ensuring correct data sorting, verifying cell references, checking formula syntax, formatting data correctly, using formula evaluation, and handling errors.