Google Sheets: 6 easy ways to search for data in your spreadsheet
Manually sifting through a giant Google Sheets file isn’t efficient. A built-in search function can look through all your open documents in seconds. In addition to Google’s Find function, there are other ways to search for things. We cover each of these methods below so that you may pick the right search technique for your needs. They work on all platforms, including Windows, Mac, andChromebooks. NoGoogle Sheets add-onsare required.
Search Google Sheets with the Find feature
The built-in Find function is the easiest way to look for data in Google Sheets. You can access it through the menu bar or a keyboard shortcut in mostGoogle Workspaceapps, including Google Sheets.
Here’s how to search in Google Sheets:
If you have an unorganized list of data, it’s easier to sort the list to find what you’re looking for. For example,sort by date in Google Sheetsto see the most recent dates at the top of the list.
Search Google Sheets using Find and Replace
The basic Find feature is useful, but Google Sheets has a similar tool called Find and Replace that includes extra options. You can run a match case search, use regular expressions, and search within links and formulas. Here’s how to use it.
Search Google Sheets with conditional formatting
A unique way to search in Google Sheets involves using the Conditional Formatting feature. Do this if you want your search term to be highlighted in a specific color and stick around after you close one of those Find tools.
Repeat these steps to change the range the search applies to, pick a different highlight color, or edit the format rules.
Search Google Sheets with the Match function
Google Sheets has a built-in MATCH function, which you can use to search for anything in a defined cell range. The formula’s syntax is=MATCH(key, range, type).
In this syntax, thekeyis the search term (a number, a string, or a combination of both), therangeis the range of cells where the search parameter will apply, and thetypeis how the function executes the search. For this method, we use type=0 as it returns the exact match.
Let’s use the MATCH function to search in Google Sheets with an example.
The MATCH function only returns the first occurrence of the search term. If you have duplicate items in your range, you only see the position of the first item.
Create a search box using the Search formula and conditional formatting
While conditional formatting is excellent for creating persistent search, it isn’t ideal if you want to change the search queries often. To make searching easier, create a search box that helps you search for different queries. Use conditional formatting and the built-in Search formula in Google Sheets to make this search box.
ReplaceSEARCHwithFINDin your formula to make your search terms case-sensitive.
Search Google Sheets with the Vlookup function
VLOOKUP is a useful Google Sheets function when searching multiple lists. For example, if you have two columns of data, one with first names and another with last names, VLOOKUP lets you find someone’s last name by searching for their first name. Or vice versa. Here’s what to do.
This search method can be used for anything, not only names. Read our guide onhow to use VLOOKUP in Google Sheetsfor help.
Quickly and easily search in Google Sheets
These Google Sheets search methods simplify this basic need for anyone who deals with lots of columns and rows. If you have problems using Google’s free spreadsheet app, we list thecommon Google Sheets problemsand how to fix them. When you get the hang of everything, check out our favoriteGoogle Sheets tips and tricks.
The note-taking app I should have used all along
Broader branding hints at wider paid-tier ambitions
M3 Expressive now refreshes the chat screen
Generative AI, now poolside
Pixel downsides never change
We just learned a little bit more about Light No Fire in a video about the Voyagers update for No Man’s Sky
