How To Lookup Partial Match In Excel

Excel Partial Match Lookup

VLOOKUP Partial Match

The VLOOKUP function can perform a partial match lookup using wildcards like * and ?, effective for matching partial text strings. To enable partial matching with VLOOKUP, use the wildcard in combination with the lookup value, and set the last argument to FALSE or 0 for exact match mode. VLOOKUP can also fetch employee information based on a name and a month, functioning as a two-way lookup. When doing so, the wildcard's inclusion is crucial for success.

XLOOKUP Partial Match

The XLOOKUP function can replace VLOOKUP and supports partial text matches. An example formula is =XLOOKUP(""&A2&"",$I$6:$I$13,$J$6:$J$13,"not found",2). However, if this formula isn't working as expected and doesn't return the value "app" for cell A2, another approach may be required. The XLOOKUP function can also retrieve unique employee data when ID values are in the first column, promoting efficient and flexible lookups.

FILTER Function for Partial Matches

The FILTER function in Excel 365 can return all possible matches for partial matching, displaying them simultaneously. Combining FILTER with the TAKE function can provide just the first partial match. If no matches are found, FILTER returns "not found". Be aware that the FILTER function may issue a #SPILL error if it populates beyond one column without two adjacent empty columns.

Partial Match with Wildcards in Formulas

In Excel, wildcard characters * and ? are utilized for partial matches within lookup formulas. When dealing with numbers, the use of wildcards necessitates converting numbers to text using the TEXT function. Moreover, the MATCH function accommodates wildcard matching if the match_type argument is set to FALSE or zero.

INDEX MATCH for Partial Matches in Legacy Excel

For older Excel versions, combining INDEX with AGGREGATE within an INDEX and MATCH formula caters to extracting all matches based on a partial search term. The AGGREGATE function helps determine each "nth match" for extraction. However, the current incarnation of Excel favors the FILTER function, given its simplicity in achieving the same result with fewer complexities and the formula =FILTER(data,ISNUMBER(SEARCH(search,data))).

Excel vs. Sourcetable: Streamlined Data Management

Excel, a powerhouse in data analysis and manipulation, remains widely utilized for its versatility and robust functionality, which can be expanded through add-ons and macros. It serves as a go-to tool for tasks including budgeting, performance reporting, and complex calculations. However, its traditional approach to sharing and collaboration features cater more to non-cloud-based workflows, requiring OneDrive for real-time collaboration.

Sourcetable emerges as a contemporary, spreadsheet-like platform, promoting efficient collaboration and centralized data handling without the need for coding. With over 100 integrations, Sourcetable excels in syncing data across multiple services into one streamlined interface, offering a significant edge in creating live, automatically updating models and interactive reports. Unlike Excel, Sourcetable includes an AI copilot, streamlining formula creation and providing template guidance through an intuitive chat interface.

While Excel's deep analytical capabilities are better suited for in-depth data exploration, Sourcetable's specialized management features and its ability to sync data every 5 to 15 minutes make it a compelling choice for teams seeking a more straightforward, collaborative BI solution. Additionally, Sourcetable's free 14-day trial allows businesses to explore its offerings, contrasting Excel's varied cost structure based on licensing models. Both tools serve pivotal roles in modern business operations, yet Sourcetable's user-friendly design and real-time data synchronization cater to the evolving needs of growth teams and business operations.