SEARCH Function in Excel: Syntax, Examples and Free Practice
SEARCH is an Excel Text function. Like FIND, but not case-sensitive and allows wildcards.
SEARCH syntax
Arguments
find_text: The text you are searching forwithin_text: The text to search insidestart_num: The character position to start from (optional)
When to use SEARCH
SEARCH is used to clean up and reshape text data pulled from other systems before reporting on it.
Practice SEARCH online, free
Open the live Excel-style spreadsheet and try SEARCH yourself. No Excel install or sign-up needed to start.
Practice SEARCH now →More Text functions
Frequently asked questions
What does the SEARCH function do in Excel?
Like FIND, but not case-sensitive and allows wildcards.
What is the syntax of SEARCH in Excel?
The syntax is =SEARCH(find_text, within_text, [start_num]). find_text: The text you are searching for; within_text: The text to search inside; start_num: The character position to start from (optional).
Where can I practice SEARCH online for free?
Open the free live spreadsheet on Cellgrids and try SEARCH yourself. No Excel install is needed and you can start without signing up.
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