What’s the difference between SEARCH and FIND functions?

Introduction:

As Excel users, we often find ourselves sifting through countless rows and columns of data trying to locate specific information. Thankfully, Excel has provided us with two powerful functions, SEARCH and FIND, that make this task simpler. In this article, we'll explore the differences between these two functions, illustrating situations where one might be more beneficial to use than the other.

Understanding the Basics:

Before we delve into their differences, let's first understand the basics of both functions. The SEARCH function in Excel helps you locate the position of a specific text string within another text string, and it's case-insensitive. On the other hand, the FIND function operates similarly but is case-sensitive and does not allow wildcards. Both functions are fantastic tools provided by Excel to help us manage and maneuver through our sea of data effectively.

More Details:

Let's take a closer look at the key differences between the SEARCH and FIND functions:

Case Sensitivity:

The first significant difference between the SEARCH and FIND functions is how they handle case sensitivity. The FIND function is case-sensitive, meaning a search for 'excel' will not find 'Excel' or 'EXCEL'. In contrast, the SEARCH function, being case-insensitive, will find 'excel', 'Excel', and 'EXCEL' all the same.

Use of Wildcards:

The second difference lies in their use of wildcards. The SEARCH function allows you to use wildcards such as '*' (which represents multiple characters) and '?' (representing a single character). However, the FIND function does not accept wildcards, and interprets these symbols literally.

Tips and Tricks:

The choice between using SEARCH and FIND depends entirely on your needs. If you require a case-sensitive search, then FIND is your go-to function. If you need to use wildcards, then SEARCH is your best bet. Remember, ExcelBundle offers excellent templates featuring these functions, which can serve as a starting point for your tasks.

Applying the Functions:

Applying the SEARCH and FIND functions is fairly straightforward. The syntax for both functions is identical, requiring the 'find_text', 'within_text', and 'start_num' (optional) parameters. For instance, =SEARCH("Excel", A1) or =FIND("Excel",A1). The return value is the starting position of the 'find_text' within the 'within_text' from the 'start_num' character.

Conclusion:

Excel's SEARCH and FIND functions take the tediousness out of hunting for specific text strings in your worksheets. By understanding their differences - case-sensitivity and the use of wildcards - you can choose the function that best suits your needs. Remember, at ExcelBundle, we're here to help you navigate these functions to maximize your productivity and save time.