Wildcard match excel. An asterisk (*) matches zero or more characters.

Wildcard match excel A wildcard is a special character that lets you perform "fuzzy" matching on text in your Excel formulas. May 30, 2025 · Excel wildcard characters are special symbols that help users perform partial matches and flexible data operations across large datasets. This Excel XLOOKUP Wildcard Tutorial is accompanied by an Excel workbook with the data and formulas I use. Built-in pattern matching provides a versatile tool for making string comparisons. Jun 29, 2024 · Hi @OP! 👋 The issue might be due to wildcard matching behavior in XLOOKUP. match_mode - [optional] 0 = exact match (default), -1 = exact match or next smallest, 1 = exact match Feb 9, 2024 · MATCH is an Excel function used to locate the position of a lookup value in a row, column, or table. You can choose to perform an exact or approximate match. While Excel doesn't support full regex functionality, you can use wildcards with creative formula structuring (functions like SEARCH(), TEXT(), and ISNUMBER()). The TRANSPOSE function is optional and used here only to convert the result from XLOOKUP to a vertical array. Jul 31, 2024 · VLOOKUP with wildcard in Excel is done by applying single wildcard and using multiple wildcards and how to avoid wildcards is also discussed Feb 18, 2020 · Can I use wildcards with the new FILTER function I want to be able to filter a list that contains cells with lengthy text strings in them such as "12:15 to 12:35 Meeting with (Sponsor 1) at table (2) (Delegate Request)". StartsWith function. An asterisk (*) matches zero or more characters. May 26, 2024 · Unlock the power of Excel formulas with wildcards for dynamic, flexible data searches. ” Starting Text Matches Power Query might not offer wildcards like % out of the box, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Similarly, you can use wildcards in a lot of other Excel functions, such as IF (), SUMIF (), AVERAGEIF (), and MATCH (). Learn more about applying criteria to a query. So today in this post, I’d like to share with you how to use wildcard characters with VLOOKUP. In the example shown, the formula in G7 is: =FILTER (Table1,ISNUMBER (SEARCH (H4,Table1 [Last]))* (H4""),"No results") where Table1 is an Excel Table that contains 100 rows of data in B5:E104. Common Wildcard Characters in Excel: Oct 23, 2023 · The XLOOKUP function contains built-in support for wildcards, but this feature must be enabled explicitly by setting match mode to the number 2. Wildcard characters are special Sep 18, 2024 · Excel Wildcard characters and Examples As we mentioned above, wildcards only work with text. Welcome to another video from MrExcel! Today, we're diving into the world of wildcard Jul 3, 2024 · This article discusses three methods for using SUMIFS with a wildcard in Excel, as well as three other options. In case you'd like to look for a partial match in the IF formula (Excel IF function with text containing another word), you can't use an asterisk sign just like you would in the SUMIFS or COUNTIFS Wildcards in Excel are the special Excel characters that take the place of the characters in it. One Character A single question mark (?) matches exactly one (any) character. Wildcard characters can even be used when using the find functionality within Excel. If you have numeric values, use logical operators in the formula. In the Criteria row of the field that you want to use, type the operator Like in front of your criteria. And a tilde (~). the cell that contains text you are looking for) you can use the MATCH function with wildcards. May 11, 2024 · To perform a partial match with XLOOKUP, supply 2 for the match mode argument to allow wildcards. Practice Excel Wildcards here! May 19, 2025 · The XMATCH function was introduced to Microsoft Excel in 2021 as an upgrade from the MATCH function. Apr 8, 2020 · As described in this tutorial, How to Use the Excel XMATCH Function, you can specify a wildcard match when using this new function. Otherwise, you will get all words beginning with the word “Excel”. Using the Excel XMATCH function, you can perform vertical and horizontal lookups. We will learn how to perform partial matches and search for specific patterns within a dataset. Feb 6, 2025 · I want to filter an array (a single line) using XMATCH to return columns based on wildcard criteria. Download the Advanced VLOOKUP Cheat Sheet Download the Advanced VLOOKUP Cheat Sheet. There will also be solutions covering case sensitivity. You can use TRIM () on your lookup Jun 3, 2021 · To retrieve information from a table based on a partial match, you can use the VLOOKUP function in exact match mode with a wildcard. These characters don’t only work for XLOOKUP, but also for VLOOKUP (), any other lookup function (such as MATCH (), SUMIFS ()), and the Excel search feature. In Excel, you can use three different wildcards to build a formula. Jan 4, 2025 · To use a regex pattern in an XLOOKUP formula, you can enable "regex match" as the match mode and then provide a regex pattern in the lookup value. . Instead, we can combine the IF function with the COUNTIF function, which does support wildcards. Note: check "Match entire cell contents" to exclude partial matches (we want to count cells). They represent non-specified characters to help you locate text values with "fuzzy" matches. However, if you use wildcards with a number, you'll convert the numeric value to a text value. The IFNA portion of the formula is designed to select B39 and do a wild card search based on just the first city, if B29 cannot be found. lookup_array - The array or range to search. They represent non-specified characters Feb 2, 2024 · Excel XLOOKUP function - syntax and uses The XLOOKUP function in Excel searches a range or an array for a specified value and returns the related value from another column. Oct 20, 2015 · 3 You can match with wildcards, but the wildcards have to be in your lookup value (first position in the formula). Jun 13, 2018 · To get the position of the first partial match (i. Learn how to use the COUNTIF function in Excel for partial matching, including wildcard characters, with helpful examples and explanations. Nov 21, 2023 · The objective of this tutorial is to show how to use wildcards with the XLOOKUP and FILTER functions in Excel. This article will explain how to use wildcards with XLOOKUP, providing step-by-step instructions, examples, and best practices. Aug 30, 2024 · The tilde wildcard character helps to remove the effect of other wildcard characters. With a bit of creativity, you will learn in this article how to perform “Begins With”, “Ends With”, “Contains”, and “Does Not Contain” search criteria, so that you can carry out more complex filtering with your dynamic array formulas. This video shows how we can use wildcards (partial matches) with the XLOOKUP and FILTER functions. In the example shown, the formula in H7 is: =VLOOKUP (value&"*",data,2,FALSE) where value (H4) and data (B5:E104) are named ranges. 🚀 Unlock hidden Excel tricks and hacks, and become a time-saving Excel pro 👉 excel Feb 23, 2017 · Other circumstances to use wildcard characters Wildcard characters can be used whenever matching text strings, common functions might be HLOOKUP, MATCH, SEARCH, SUMIFS and SUMIF. MATCH supports approximate and exact matching, and wildcards (* ?) for partial matches. Aug 30, 2024 · It is more flexible and versatile. In contrast, the tilde is the identification of the wild card character. Get this example workbook (for Nov 14, 2023 · This tutorial explains how to use the XLOOKUP function in Excel with wildcard characters, including an example. Master this technique today to enhance your spreadsheets! Guide to Wildcard In Excel. It allows searching for values in both vertical and horizontal arrays, finding exact, approximate, and partial matches. In this Excel XLOOKUP Wildcard Tutorial, you learn how to create an Excel XLOOKUP wildcard formula, where the XLOOKUP function considers wildcards when searching for a match. Whether you're cleaning data, validating inputs, or extracting patterns, these new tools will change how you write advanced formulas in Excel. Users can use the VLOOKUP wildcard characters in scenarios such as looking up the first name in a lookup range of texts containing first and last names. With the number 56 in 4 days ago · Learn how to master partial matches in Excel, from traditional wildcard characters to using AI tools for faster, more intuitive data lookups and analysis. Learn how to use wildcard characters in Excel to save time when working with formulas. In this post, you will learn how to use wildcard characters in Excel. May 14, 2024 · Excel supports the wildcard characters "*" and "?", and these wildcards can be used to perform partial (substring) matches in various lookup formulas. g. Jun 3, 2024 · Learn to use wildcards in Excel's IF Function for partial text matches, making it easy to check if a cell contains a specific word. Mar 30, 2022 · VBA language referenceBuilt-in pattern matching provides a versatile tool for making string comparisons. One highly effective workaround is to use the Text. Wildcards are special characters that allow you to perform “fuzzy” matching on text in your formulas. In this guide, we're going to show you how to use Excel Wildcard characters for setting up formula criteria. Zero travel. Dec 25, 2024 · Key Takeaways XMATCH is a more flexible and robust alternative to the MATCH function, available in Excel 365 and Excel 2021. Example: XLOOKUP ("*search*", A2:A10, B2:B10) Check for leading or trailing spaces: Sometimes extra spaces in your data can prevent matches. Jul 13, 2024 · XLOOKUP is a powerful Excel function that allows you to search for specific data in a range or table. Remember Excel’s wildcard characters? If we use wildcard characters with SUMIF, we can sum values using partial criteria and the good news is May 27, 2020 · In a similar way, you can use the wildcard characters with other conditional formulas for a partial match of conditions like using Using =IF () Function For Partial Match in Excel and many more. Mar 25, 2022 · Microsoft Excel’s XLOOKUP() is powerful, but combined with wildcards, it’s also flexible. How? You can use them as a substitute for any character you are unsure about. 1 Match Starting Characters (Value&“*”) Steps: Type the following formula in cell D16 and press Enter on your keyboard. Wildcards in Microsoft Excel let you search for partial matches, broaden your filters, and create formulas that reference cells containing certain strings. e. Note that match_mode must be set to 2 to use wildcards with XLOOKUP. Apr 7, 2025 · We explain different types of Excel VLOOKUP wildcard. Replace one or more characters in the criteria with a wildcard character. Here we discuss two wildcard characters - Asterisk (*) & Question Mark(?), examples & downloadable excel template. Nov 12, 2025 · Once you get comfortable with wildcards, searching in Excel feels less like looking for a needle in a haystack and more like an elephant in the room. In the example shown, the formula in H7 is: =TRANSPOSE((XLOOKUP(H4,D5:D15,B5:E15,"Not found",2))) which performs a wildcard match with the value in H4 and returns all 4 fields as the result. Here are a few things to check: Ensure correct wildcard usage: Use * to match any number of characters and ? to match a single character. Bring MrExcel to your people. Jan 2, 2024 · Excel MATCH function is a lookup/reference formula that returns the relative position of a lookup value from a specified range. The conditional function like COUNTIF,AND,OR, SEARCH are used here. Press CTRL + F to launch the Find and Replace dialog box. Examples of wildcard character pattern matching in expressions To use a wildcard character within a pattern: Open your query in Design view. Often, MATCH is combined with the INDEX function to retrieve a value at a matched position. Mar 14, 2023 · The tutorial shows how to make Excel IF statement with wildcard text and get it to work for partial matches. And wildcards work well for numeric and text values. For more about using wildcard characters with the Find and Replace features in Excel, see Find or replace text and numbers on a worksheet. Syntax =XMATCH (lookup_value, lookup_array, [match_mode], [search_mode]) Arguments lookup_value - The lookup value. The XLOOKUP function is available in Excel 2021 and later (including Excel 365). Excel has 3 wildcards. I am able to create the formula without XMATCH wildcards. What Is VLOOKUP With Wildcard in Excel? The VLOOKUP wildcard characters enable one to lookup value using the VLOOKUP () with a partial match. Learn effective usage, performance comparisons, and advanced techniques for savvy data analysis. XMATCH supports wildcard characters and can perform binary searches for faster results on sorted arrays. This video shows an example of the XLOOKUP Function with a "Wildcard" match type. These symbols may be small, but with them, you can filter, count, and locate your data with precision, no matter how large your spreadsheet is. Nov 8, 2024 · Learn how to use XLOOKUP to match text values with the help of the 5th argument, wildcard character match mode. This function works by looking for values in a column that begin Microsoft Excel Tutorial: Wildcards in Excel VLOOKUP XLOOKUP and SUMIFS. For example, if you are looking for a string with known ending or beginning, and unknown characters in the middle, you can use wildcard characters to tell Excel to look for all compatible matches. How to use the wildcards in Excel In this article, we will learn How to use the wildcards in Excel. But, when you combine an asterisk, which is a wildcard character, you can get the student’s marks by just using a partial match. In the worksheet shown, the formula in F5 looks like this: =XLOOKUP (" [A-Z] {3}"&F4&" [A-Z] {2}",B5:B16,C5:C16,,3) This formula matches the number entered in cell F4 against the product codes in column B using a regex pattern. You can use them to find and replace text, match patterns, and more. Jan 17, 2021 · Excel has two wildcard characters (“?” and “*”) as well as the tilde (“~”) in case you actually want to search for a question mark or asterisk. Note: In older versions of Excel that do May 9, 2023 · Understanding Wildcards in Excel: Wildcards are characters that represent one or more characters in a search. Two hours. It’s also interesting to note that while you can use the wildcard characters in the SEARCH function, you can’t use it in FIND function. For Example, if you have to search exact match for “Excel*”, you have to enter “Excel~*”. As such, I need to figure out how to incorporate a wildcard that references text in another cell. They are useful for finding values that match specific patterns and can save time in searching for data. Feb 8, 2019 · I'm trying to figure out a formula that helps me search a row for a wildcard text (e. Sections: Wildcards Question Mark Example Asterisk Example Tilde Example Referencing Aug 23, 2022 · Unfortunately, Excel’s Filter function does not perform partial-match or wildcard searches. For example, Like R?308021 If match_type is 0 and lookup_value is a text string, you can use the wildcard characters — the question mark (?) and asterisk (*) — in the lookup_value argument. Sep 16, 2008 · Live Online Excel Training for Your Team from MrExcel. , w*) and returns all matching values (in one or several cells). A question mark (?) matches exactly one character. Unleash Excel's potential with wildcards! Explore advanced formulas, solve common issues, and boost productivity by using wildcard in excel. The position can be used as the index value in other lookup functions. Mar 26, 2019 · Become an Excel wildcard wizard with our comprehensive guide! Learn how to master wildcard characters in Excel for efficient data analysis. Excel has three wildcards: an asterisk, question mark, and tilde. So, for example, “Ap*” will match “Apple“, “Application If you’re an Excel user, you’ve probably heard of wildcards. Jul 6, 2024 · We have discussed 5 methods to use the wildcard in IF statement in Excel. For example, this formula: Mar 14, 2023 · Everything you need to know about wildcards: what wildcard characters Excel recognizes, and how to best use them with built-in features and in formulas with text and numbers. Wildcards are used to make more sophisticated partial matches. You put wildcards in functions, usually in the criteria argument, and this allows you to find partial matches for words, numbers, and characters. Sep 25, 2018 · Excel supports wildcard characters in formulas to find values that share a simple pattern. In the example shown, the formula in E8 is: Jun 4, 2025 · The Excel XMATCH function performs a lookup and returns a position of a value in a range. Aug 8, 2016 · index match with wildcards and multiple criteria Asked 9 years, 3 months ago Modified 6 years, 5 months ago Viewed 30k times Learn how to use the wildcard characters in Excel with real example formulas and practice exercises. Nov 28, 2018 · Easily sum cells containing specific text for a partial match in Excel using the SUMIF or SUMIFS function with a wildcard. What I have looks something like this: What I Jul 24, 2014 · Learn how to use wildcards with VLOOKUP in Excel to efficiently search and match data, expanding your data lookup capabilities. May 21, 2024 · Method 1 – Using Wildcard Combining with INDEX and MATCH Functions for Finding Data with Partial Match 1. Jun 22, 2025 · What Is a Wildcard in Excel? A wildcard in Excel is a special character that substitutes unknown characters in text values. Nov 19, 2024 · When using this type of match mode, we can perform a basic partial match by removing our traditional wildcard characters: We can write the following formula in C6 which sets the match_mode argument value to 3 for regex match: =XLOOKUP(B6, Table1[Cust], Table1[Amt], , 3) And now we got it: Now, this is an extremely simple example of RegEx. You can learn how to use wildcards in VLOOKUP using the below Examples. Mar 14, 2023 · The tutorial shows the advantages of the new Excel XMATCH function and how it differs from MATCH. Asterisk (*) The asterisk character means any number of characters in the world of a wildcard search. In this section, we’ll cover the available wildcards, for example, wildcard usage and functions that support wildcards. Aug 2, 2024 · Step 2 – Combine the INDEX and the MATCH Functions for Multiple Criteria using a Wildcard in Excel Select E7. In the example shown, XLOOKUP is configured to match the value entered in cell E5, which may appear anywhere in the lookup values in B5:B15. Click here for details. Jan 6, 2020 · You can use wildcards for filtering, searching, or inside the formulas. XMATCH supports approximate and exact matching, reverse search, and wildcards (* ?) for partial matches. In this illustration I perform a "partial name match" on a lookup array c The match_mode argument is set to 1, which means the function will look for an exact match, and if it can't find one, it returns the next larger item. Enhance your Excel skills with the XMATCH function guide. In the example shown, the formula in F5 is: XLOOKUP ("*"&G4&"*",data [Title],data,,2) Where G4 contains a partial string to look for and data is an Excel Table in the range B5:D16. XMATCH with wildcard (exchanged order The XMATCH function in Excel enhances the MATCH function by adding new features, making it ideal for finding the position of items within arrays or cell ranges. Jul 3, 2024 · Partial match string in excel is done by using the VLOOKUP, the XLOOKUP , the INDEX MATCH combo , IF OR, IF ISNUMBER SEARCH combo functions. By doing so, you can do so much in Microsoft Excel which would have been impossible (or at least very difficult) otherwise. 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. Apr 5, 2023 · To use select records from a set of data based on a partial match, you can use the FILTER function with the SEARCH function. Use wildcard characters as comparison criteria for text filters and when you're searching and replacing content. Nov 22, 2019 · Excel wildcards can be used to replace any character in Excel and allow the user to perform advanced searches and matching. These can also be used in the Conditional Formatting rules that use the "Only format cells that contain specific text" criteria. Asterisk is used for multiple numbers of characters in Excel, while a question mark represents only a single character. Wildcards are characters that allow you to make more robust functions, searches, and filters in Excel. Excel wildcards Excel supports three wildcards that can be used in formulas: Asterisk (*) - zero or more characters Question mark (?) - any one character Aug 13, 2024 · To create a "contains substring" type lookup formula, you can use the XLOOKUP function with wildcards. Jun 30, 2025 · After decades of waiting, Excel finally supports Regular Expressions, aka regex! Learn how three powerful new functions - REGEXTEST, REGEXREPLACE, and REGEXEXTRACT - can transform complex text operations into elegant, maintainable formulas. May 18, 2023 · The IF function doesn't support wildcards directly, so we can't use IF by itself. This guide will detail how to use XMATCH through practical examples and will highlight its advantages over MATCH. Finally, the search_mode argument is set to 1, which means the function will search from the first item to the last. Using wildcards with XLOOKUP enhances its flexibility, enabling you to perform partial matches and more complex searches. Aug 30, 2024 · Wildcards are some special characters that play the role of joker cards in Excel🃏. If they are in the lookup array (second position in the formula) they are not wildcards, just literal * s in the cell values. Aug 19, 2025 · Learn how to look up partial text matches in Excel using VLOOKUP with wildcards, INDEX & MATCH combo, and IF for conditional results. Mar 16, 2018 · Index Match multiple criteria with wildcard I am trying to come up with a formula that can capture the commission rate of a sales rep based on the name of a company, however in some cases the company name is not an exact match. Enter the INDEX MATCH formula in the Formula bar. May 12, 2025 · Wildcards in Microsoft Excel let you search for partial matches, broaden your filters, and create formulas that reference cells containing certain strings. It can look up both vertically and horizontally and perform an exact match (default), approximate (closest) match, or wildcard (partial) match. Oct 9, 2024 · Learn how to look up a value containing specific text using wildcards in Excel, helping you perform flexible searches and data analysis. The default arguments in the XMATCH syntax are more intuitive than those in the MATCH syntax, favoring an exact match over an approximate match. Guide to VLOOKUP Wildcard. Here we discuss how to use the three types of wildcards with examples and downloadable excel template. Where B29 is a name of a Metropolitan area, B39 is the first City (major city) in a metropolitan area if the source data doesn't have a direct match to B29. We also share examples for each wildcard and explain how to troubleshoot any issues. Jun 15, 2015 · Excel formula LIKE, AND, IF, WILDCARDS Asked 10 years, 5 months ago Modified 4 years, 9 months ago Viewed 228k times Feb 23, 2024 · This SQL query will fetch all rows where the name of the text that starts with “Bl,” such as “Blaze,” or “Blade. Partial match up in Excel In Excel, sometimes you find yourself with problems where you need to perform an operation over some values having criteria. As well as letting you specify wildcard character use, XMATCH allows you to search from both the top downwards and the bottom upwards, resulting in a Mar 24, 2023 · This tutorial explains how to use wildcards in VBA, including several examples. High-impact. Wildcard characters are all about searching a text with a partial match. It allows you to search, match, and analyze data with partial strings, saving you time and effort when exact matches aren’t possible or practical. The following table shows the wildcard characters you can use with the Like operator and the number of digits or strings they match. It is a more robust and flexible successor to the MATCH function. mdshk yhtrfec jvvo ckqo kiqsy zjeq awnxw lacdde mitkuo ltwjcbb bzaoe jih xqtru xsz ldoatj