What is the MATCH Function
The MATCH function returns the position of a value in a range. It does not return the value itself, only the position. This makes it the perfect partner for INDEX, together forming the famous INDEX-MATCH lookup pattern.
Formula: =MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_array, [match_type])
Practical Example 1
Names in A2:A6. Find the position of Salma.
Type: =MATCH(Salma, A2:A6, 0)
Result: 3
Practical Example 2
Combine MATCH with INDEX for a dynamic lookup.
Type: =INDEX(C:C, MATCH(Salma, A:A, 0))
Result: the value from column C for Salma
Practical Example 3
Find a value using a wildcard pattern.
Type: =MATCH(Sa*, A2:A10, 0)
Result: the position of the first value starting with Sa
Practical Example 4
Find the last occurrence of a value using MATCH with a special technique.
Type: =MATCH(2, 1/(A2:A10=Rahim))
Result: the position of the last Rahim
When to Use It
MATCH is used for dynamic report positioning, for INDEX-MATCH lookups, for detecting column headers, for finding positions in text arrays, and for any formula where you need the position of a value rather than the value itself.