# MATCH Function

The MATCH function is one of the lookup and reference functions. It is used to return a relative position of a specified item in a range of cells.

The MATCH function syntax is:

MATCH(lookup-value, lookup-array[ , [match-type]])

where

lookup-value is a value in the lookup-array to search for. It can be a numeric, logical or text value, or a cell reference.

lookup-array is a single row or column you need to analyze.

match-type is a type of match. It's an optional argument. It can be one of the following numeric values:

Numeric value | Meaning
1 or omitted | The values must be sorted in ascending order. If the the exact match is not found, the function will return the largest value that is less than lookup-value.
0 | The values can be sorted in any order. If the the exact match is not found, the function will return the #N/A error.
-1 | The values must be sorted in descending order. If the the exact match is not found, the function will return the smallest value that is greater than lookup-value.

To apply the MATCH function,

1. select the cell where you wish to display the result,
2. click the Insert Function icon situated at the top toolbar,
   or right-click within a selected cell and select the Insert Function option from the menu,
   or click the icon situated at the formula bar,
3. select the Lookup and Reference function group from the list,
4. click the MATCH function,
5. enter the required arguments separating them by comma,
6. press the Enter button.

The result will be displayed in the selected cell.