SEARCH() vs FIND() Function in Excel

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Author: | Edits: don

The differences between FIND() and SEARCH() and when to use these functions in Excel - these functions are similar but have important differences.

The FIND and SEARCH functions in Excel are very similar and perform the same task, but in slightly different, but very important, ways.

This tutorial goes through a full explanation of how to use the FIND() and SEARCH() functions and then compares the two functions, showing you the differences and when you should use one vs the other one.

The examples in this tutorial include:

  • Performing case-sensistive searches.
  • Performing wildcard searches.
  • Equalizing cases so that you can use either function (FIND or SEARCH) regardless of the contents of the cell or search value.

I hope you enjoy this tutorial!

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Excel Function: FIND, FINDB(), SEARCH, SEARCHB()
Excel Version: Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016
Downloadable Files: Project File

Download Project File

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Tutorial Details
Excel Function: FIND, FINDB(), SEARCH, SEARCHB()
Excel Version: Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016
Downloadable Files: Project File

Download Project File

Follow along with the tutorial by downloading the files used in it. (Completely Free)

Phone number is optional - we use it to send course discounts and weekly updates via SMS.

SMS Terms ▾
By submitting this form, you agree to receive recurring automated marketing text messages from TeachExcel at the mobile number provided. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help or STOP to cancel at any time.

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Excel VBA Course
Excel VBA Course - From Beginner to Expert

200+ Video Lessons
50+ Hours of Video
200+ Excel Guides

Become a master of VBA and Macros in Excel and learn how to automate all of your tasks in Excel with this online course. (No VBA experience required.)

View Course