Excel search array formula. Step-by-step guide for all Excel versions.
Excel search array formula Learn to search any text within any given string using the SEARCH function with 3 suitable examples. Here's the Dec 2, 2014 · I've been trying to modify this to count the number of rows in an array that fit the search formula but I'm missing something. Improve performance in data analysis, financial modeling, or statistical calculations. Some worksheet functions return arrays of values, or require an array of values as an argument. This is because Dynamic Arrays let you easily work with multiple values at the same time in a formula. This chapter helps you understand array formulas in Excel. How to use the MATCH function in Excel to search for a specified item in a range of cells, returning the relative position of that item in the range. Mar 22, 2023 · The tutorial focuses on Excel array formula examples and demonstrates how to use Excel functions that support calculations in arrays to count cells that meet several conditions, sum values in every Nth row, count any given character in a range, and more. May 15, 2024 · In the world of Excel formulas, the term "array formula" is probably responsible for more confusion than just about any other concept. In the example shown, the formula in F5 is: =FILTER(B5:D14,ISNUMBER(SEARCH("rd",B5:B14)),"No results") Which retrieves data where the street column contains "rd". Note the SEARCH function is not case-sensitive. May 12, 2024 · The zero row trick causes INDEX to return column 1 from the array (which is already one column anyway). IF function is used for logic_test and returns value on the Aug 13, 2024 · In newer versions of Excel that support dynamic array formulas, this formula will work seamlessly. However, with some effort, you can make INDEX and MATCH return all matches. Like the MATCH function, XMATCH performs a lookup and returns a numeric Mar 14, 2023 · The tutorial shows how to do multiple criteria vlookup with INDEX and MATCH in Excel. e. Mar 22, 2023 · The tutorial explains what is an array formula in Excel and provides examples of using Excel array functions and constants. For instance, we have a large array of values and we need to extract all the values matching the string. a substring), you can use the SEARCH function together with the ISNUMBER function. A vibrant community of Excel enthusiasts. In the example shown, the formula in D5 is: =ISNUMBER(SEARCH(C5,B5)) This formula returns TRUE if the substring in cell C5 is found in the text from cell B5. Aug 16, 2025 · While Excel doesn’t offer a built-in function that directly checks if a cell contains any item from a list, you can achieve it using formulas based on SEARCH, ISNUMBER, COUNTIF, XLOOKUP, MATCH, or even array functions in Excel 365. Step by step guide to Array formulas in Excel. Aug 3, 2024 · In this article, we showed numerous examples related to create an array formula in excel easily and effectively. 17 I want to search a cell for a list of words. One common task users face is searching for specific text within a cell. Oct 15, 2022 · This tutorial explains how to use the SEARCH function in Excel to search multiple values, including an example. Jun 25, 2024 · In this tutorial, you will get to know how to find text in an Excel range and return the reference of the cell that holds the text in 3 ways. How to use the LOOKUP function in Excel to search in a single row or column and find a value from the same position in a second row or column. Let's get some understanding of these functions. Step-by-step guide for all Excel versions. Any help much appreciated. See the TAKE function. You will also learn about the FILTER function as a alternative. For instance, you would need multiple nested IFS of SUMIFS functions to find the sum of values in your sheet based on different conditions. We’ll use the sample dataset below to show how these functions work. e May 21, 2024 · Dynamic array functions are a set of powerful formula tools introduced with the release of Excel 365 and Excel 2021 for Windows and Mac. Mar 20, 2023 · The tutorial explains the syntax of the Excel LOOKUP function (vector and array forms) and demonstrates formula examples for vertical and horizontal lookup. In this article, we’ll explore Excel formulas that Excel provides two types of array formulas: Array formulas that perform several calculations to generate a single result and array formulas that calculate multiple results. If Feb 13, 2023 · To filter data to include data based on a "contains specific text" logic, you can use the FILTER function with help from the ISNUMBER function and SEARCH function. When using Excel 2019 and earlier, you must enter the array formula by Examples of Using Array Formulas with Multiple Conditions. Here we use array formula, single & multi-cell, with MIN() & TRANSPOSE(), examples & downloadable template. The list in column E may get quite long, so I need a variable/spilling approach. This article provides an overview with many links and examples. This is because the definition of an array formula has become mixed up with the requirement to enter some array formulas in a special way, with control + shift + enter. The SEARCH function is case-insensitive and supports wildcards. Aug 7, 2024 · How to use the SEARCH function in Excel. Elevate your spreadsheet skills with us! Dec 9, 2024 · Re: Search an array, but return only certain cells Then on a separate tab, I would like to search for all jobs completed by the initials 'CR' and then return only 4 values, those in columns A, B, K and R. You can use different formulas to get the same result. Array formulas in Excel are a feature I find incredibly powerful. Formula examples are available for download. Apr 29, 2025 · To find the coordinates of all matching values in a 2D array you can use a formula based on the IF function and the TOCOL function. In the example below, I need to know which bay the Chevrolet is in: Column Jul 19, 2024 · In this article, we will explain what arrays are, what an array formula is, and provide several examples of how to use array formulas in Excel. Note: this is an array formula and must be entered with control + shift + enter in Legacy Excel. =INDEX(E3:E8,MATCH(TRUE,ISNUMBER(SEARCH(F3:F8,B3)),0)) Note: This is an array formula. In the worksheet shown, the formula in cell N8 is: =TOCOL(IF(C5:L16=N5,C4:L4&B5:B16,NA()),2) When the formula is entered, it returns the coordinates of each cell that contains the value entered in cell N5, using the values in row 4 and column B for coordinates. Why would you want the non-array version? Sometimes, people forget to enter an array formula with control + shift + enter, and the formula returns an incorrect result. Note: this is an array formula and must be entered with control + shift + enter in Excel 2019 and older. In this article, we will learn about how to extract all partial matches in an array of values in Excel. I've included the year each function was publicly released to Microsoft 365. How to Calculate a Formula in an Array and Check the Sequence of Its Calculations. Jul 3, 2025 · Dynamic Arrays are the biggest change to Excel formulas in years. However, I'd like to learn how to use an array formula within a worksheet to see if a cell's string value is in a value of an array that may contain those unique strings but are also surrounded by other Oct 4, 2025 · Why Use Array Formulas? Process large datasets without multiple formulas. Perform operations like matrix multiplication or conditional sums. Download the XLS File for the Guide on Working with Array Formulas in an Excel Table. FORMULATEXT function - This function can be used to display the formula in a cell. For every instance where any of those strings is found in column B, the corresponding value in column F shall be output. See below for a case-sensitive May 6, 2025 · The Excel XLOOKUP function is a powerful tool designed to look up a value in one range and return a corresponding value in another range — it supports approximate and exact matching, wildcards, regular expressions (regex), reverse searches, and lookups in vertical or horizontal ranges. May 9, 2011 · is there a way to find all array formulas in a given excel spreadsheet? Jul 25, 2014 · I am trying to find a value within an array and then return the value in a specific row in the corresponding column. Aug 10, 2023 · This tutorial will demonstrate how to search by keywords in Excel and Google Sheets. The XMATCH function searches for a specified item in an array or range of cells, and then returns the relative position of the first match. Feb 12, 2025 · To check if a cell contains specific text (i. We will use a combination of IF function, ISNUMBER function & SEARCH function. Following are some notes to help you Mar 15, 2025 · Hi guys - really appreciate any help you can offer (I feel close to finding it but I'm struggling, think I need an array formula that include Index, Row, Search) Using Excel 2019 In the below example, I need the formula to be placed in cells B1:B3 The formula needs to SEARCH for all words/text Use the SEARCH function in Excel to find the position of a substring in a string. In Excel 2021 and later, this trick is not necessary, thanks to dynamic arrays. Formulas that can return arrays of variable size are called dynamic array formulas. Whether you’re managing a large dataset or working with a simple spreadsheet, understanding how to search for text in a cell can streamline your work and help you gain insights quickly. Apr 5, 2023 · By default, lookup formulas in Excel like VLOOKUP and INDEX + MATCH will find the first match, but not other matches that may exist in a set of data. Master syntax and combine functions for powerful text analysis today. Jan 24, 2022 · I'm curious about the best way to search a cell, and if a specific string is found then return a specific value based on an array of outputs. We can use an array formula with one of the following functions: Sep 13, 2025 · Excel's basic formulas work fine for simple calculations, but they quickly become cumbersome when you're dealing with complex data analysis. So, a non-array formula is more "bulletproof". I thought this would work as an array formula: {=FIND(<list of words I want to search for>,<cell I want to search>)} But it only finds a match when a word that's in the cell I'm searching sits in the first row of the list of words I'm searching for. Column E contains a range of search criteria. Feb 24, 2025 · Hi, pls see attached example. XLOOKUP is a modern and flexible replacement for older functions like VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, and LOOKUP. Mar 26, 2025 · Learn how the Excel MATCH function locate the position of a specific value within a given range or array with dynamic lookups, advanced examples, and best practices. Excel formulas that return a set of values, also known as an array, return these values to neighboring cells. In a simple world, it can do multiple calculations and reduce a lot of human efforts. Formulas that are currently returning arrays that are successfully spilling can be referred to as spilled array formulas. Dec 6, 2022 · To test if a range or list contains duplicates, you can use a formula based on the COUNTIF function and the OR function. Jun 20, 2024 · How to Find a Match in Excel? Case 1 – Find an Exact Match We need to use zero as the third argument to find the exact match using the MATCH function. INDEX and XMATCH The current version of Excel includes the XMATCH function, which is an upgraded replacement for the MATCH function. In the example shown, the formula in E5 is: =SUM (INDEX (data,N (IF (1, {1,2,3})))) where "data" is the named range B5:B10. In the example shown, the formula in cell E5 is: =OR(COUNTIF(data,data)>1) where data is the named range B5:B16. Mar 14, 2025 · Read a detailed explanation here. They allow me to perform complex calculations with a single formula, saving me time and effort. . Mar 12, 2021 · The MATCH function in excel is very commonly used formula in excel to find the position of a particular cell in excel range or array. Inputting Excel Array Formulas In order to be understood as an array formula, a formula must be input in the following way: Highlight the range of cells that you want to enter your array formula into; Type the array formula into the first cell (or if already typed into the first cell, put this cell into edit mode by pressing F2 or clicking in the formula bar); Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter (i. Guide to Array Formulas in Excel. Feb 2, 2024 · List of Excel’s Dynamic Array Functions The following table is a comprehensive listing of Excel functions that fall under the class of Dynamic Array (meaning they can output multiple results per formula). Aug 30, 2024 · Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool for data management, analysis, and reporting. Oct 9, 2024 · Discover how to perform INDEX and MATCH with multiple arrays in Excel, allowing for flexible and dynamic data searches across different datasets. Apr 23, 2019 · Hi! I know how to use the find function in Excel and I also know how to loop through an array in VBA to see if a certain string is present. This behavior is called spilling. =COUNT (SEARCH (A$2:A$17,E$1:E$9)) and it just returns "1". Jul 18, 2025 · Learn how to use Excel’s dynamic array formulas to automate data pairing, save time, and unlock new insights in your analysis. That's where I use Excel array formulas. Array formulas enable to process of several values and give several outputs. Excel provides a few functions that can help identify and find array formulas within a worksheet. Maybe the biggest change ever. For more details and a sample workbook, see INDEX and MATCH with multiple criteria. These formulas can handle multiple values in one or more arrays (ranges of cells) and can return either a single result or multiple results based on the input range. You end up with nested functions that are hard to read, multiple helper columns cluttering your spreadsheet, and formulas that can break when your data changes. Aug 29, 2024 · Array formula in Excel is an exceptional feature that allows you to manipulate and organize large sets of data easily into a single cell. Jul 7, 2025 · Learn how to return all matching values in Excel using FILTER, INDEX, array formulas, and more. Jan 18, 2018 · Learn how to use an Excel Array Formula to do powerful calculations, including nested IF formulas, sequential number arrays, and matrices. This step-by-step article describes how to find data in a table (or range of cells) by using various built-in functions in Microsoft Excel. Search by Keywords To categorize text cells based on the keywords they contain, you can use the SEARCH, ISNUMBER, MATCH, and INDEX Functions combined. Jul 5, 2024 · Method 1 – Using an Array Formula to Lookup Multiple Values in Excel The VLOOKUP Function can only return a single match. Mar 21, 2023 · The tutorial explains how to use FIND and SEARCH functions in Excel with formula examples. These functions are like shortcuts that can automatically fill several cells with results without the need for complex formulas or manual adjustments. Otherwise, it returns FALSE. Get expert tips, ask questions, and share your love for all things Excel. May 14, 2024 · To get INDEX to return an array of items to another function, you can use an obscure trick based on the IF and N functions. Jun 10, 2024 · Here, you will learn how to return array using the XLOOKUP in Excel. Here we discuss how to Use Array in Excel along with excel example and downloadable excel templates. Excel arrays How to use the INDEX function in Excel to return a value or reference to a value within a table or range. Jul 17, 2024 · This article narrows down six formulas to find cells that match multiple criteria from different arrays in MS Excel. For more information, see Guidelines and examples of array formulas. In Learn how to use Excel's SEARCH function to find specific words or characters quickly. Select cell G5 and use the formula. Dec 15, 2011 · Because the formula is entered as an array, the SEARCH function returns an array of values where only one of the values (the one corresponding to the store that it found) is a number. Single cell array formulas perform multiple calculations in one cell. Jul 3, 2024 · Need to learn how to find the table array in Excel? Here, we will show four easy and convenient examples of finding the table array in Excel.