How to Use the EXACT Function in Excel
Below is a comprehensive guide on utilizing the EXACT function in Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.
Introduction
The EXACT function is utilized to compare two text strings in Excel and Google Sheets, determining whether they match precisely.
Syntax
The syntax for the EXACT function is consistent across both Excel and Google Sheets:
=EXACT(text1, text2)text1: The first text string you want to compare.text2: The second text string you want to compare.
Examples of Usage
Example 1: Basic Usage
Let’s compare two text strings to see if they are identical.
| Text 1 | Text 2 | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Apple | Apple | =EXACT(A2, B2) |
The formula in the “Result” column will return TRUE, indicating that both text strings are exactly the same.
Example 2: Case Sensitivity
It’s important to note that the EXACT function is case-sensitive. This means it distinguishes between uppercase and lowercase letters.
| Text 1 | Text 2 | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Excel | excel | =EXACT(A2, B2) |
The formula in the “Result” column will return FALSE because the text strings differ in case, thereby not matching exactly.
Example 3: Using in Conditional Formatting
The EXACT function can also be employed in conditional formatting to visually highlight cells where text strings match exactly.
- Select the range of cells you wish to format.
- Access “Format” or “Conditional formatting” from the toolbar.
- Select “Custom formula is” from the drop-down menu.
- Input the EXACT function with the appropriate text references.
- Configure your preferred formatting options.
With these examples and instructions, you should now have a clearer understanding of how to utilize the EXACT function in Excel and Google Sheets for text string comparisons.
More information: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/exact-function-d3087698-fc15-4a15-9631-12575cf29926