---
title: "FIND function in Excel: syntax and examples | PracticeExcel"
description: "How to use FIND in Excel and Google Sheets: locate a character, and how it differs from SEARCH."
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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://practiceexcelonline.com/llms.txt)

# **The FIND function**

Returns the position of one text inside another. FIND is case-sensitive and does not allow wildcards; it returns #VALUE! when nothing is found.

=

FIND(

## **Syntax**

```
FIND(find_text, within_text, [start_num])
```

<dl><dt>**find_text **</dt>
<dd>The text to look for.</dd>
<dt>**within_text **</dt>
<dd>The text to search in.</dd>
<dt>**start_num **(optional)</dt>
<dd>The position to start from. Default 1.</dd></dl>

## **Examples**

C1`=FIND(<sup>1</sup>"-",<sup>2</sup>A2)`

|  | A | B | C |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Code |  | **3** |
| 2 | DK-2100 |  | |

**In plain words:** Find the position of <sup>1</sup>the dash in <sup>2</sup>the code in A2.

C1=FIND("d",A2)

|  | A | B | C |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Code |  | **#VALUE!** |
| 2 | DK-2100 |  | |

## **Read the guide**

- [**How to clean data in Excel with formulas**](https://practiceexcelonline.com/learn/clean-data-in-excel)
- [**How to merge cells in Excel, and what to use instead**](https://practiceexcelonline.com/learn/merge-cells-excel)

## **Related functions**

- [**SEARCH**](https://practiceexcelonline.com/functions/search)
- [**MID**](https://practiceexcelonline.com/functions/mid)
- [**LEFT**](https://practiceexcelonline.com/functions/left)

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