The MATCH function

Returns the position of a value in a row or column. Use 0 as match_type for an exact match.

Syntax

MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_array, [match_type])
lookup_value
The value to find.
lookup_array
A single row or column to search.
match_type (optional)
0 exact match; 1 (default) largest value less than or equal, in ascending data; -1 smallest value greater than or equal, in descending data.

Examples

D1=MATCH("Pear",A2:A4,0)
ABCD
1FruitPrice2
2Apple4
3Pear6
4Plum5

In plain words: Find the position of Pear in the fruit list in A2:A4, only on an exact match.

D1=MATCH(5,B2:B4,0)
ABCD
1FruitPrice3
2Apple4
3Pear6
4Plum5

Practice MATCH

Read the guide

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