MATCH in Excel & Google Sheets
Returns the position of a value inside a row or column. On its own it gives a number; combined with INDEX it becomes a flexible lookup.
Syntax
=MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_array, [match_type]) Example: Position of "Pear" in a list
=MATCH("Pear", A2:A6, 0) =COINCIDIR("Pear"; A2:A6; 0) Returns 3 if "Pear" is the third item in A2:A6.
MATCH in Spanish
In Spanish Excel and Google Sheets, MATCH is called COINCIDIR. It's the same function: files translate automatically when opened in another language. When you type it by hand, the name and the argument separator change.
| English | Spanish | |
|---|---|---|
| Function | MATCH | COINCIDIR |
| Separator | , | ; |
| Example | =MATCH("Pear", A2:A6, 0) | =COINCIDIR("Pear"; A2:A6; 0) |
The separator depends on regional settings: Spanish versions usually use semicolons, but countries with a decimal point (like Mexico) may use commas.
Translate another formulaArguments
MATCH FAQ
What is MATCH in Spanish?
In Spanish, MATCH is COINCIDIR. When you type it by hand in a Spanish Excel, arguments are usually separated by semicolons (;): =COINCIDIR("Pear"; A2:A6; 0)
Does MATCH work in Google Sheets?
Yes. MATCH works in Google Sheets with the same syntax as in Excel. In a sheet set to Spanish it's called COINCIDIR. The separator (comma or semicolon) follows the sheet's locale, under File → Settings.
Why does MATCH return the wrong row?
The third argument defaults to 1 (approximate match on sorted data). Always pass 0 for an exact match unless your list is sorted on purpose.