FIND function

Returns the position at which a string is first found within text, case-sensitive.

Sample Usage

FIND("n",A2)

FIND("wood","How much wood can a woodchuck chuck",14)

Syntax

FIND(search_for, text_to_search, [starting_at])

  • search_for - The string to look for within text_to_search.

  • text_to_search - The text to search for the first occurrence of search_for.

  • starting_at - [ OPTIONAL - 1 by default ] - The character within text_to_search at which to start the search.

Notes

  • FIND is case-sensitive, meaning that uppercase and lowercase letters matter. For example, "abc" will not match "ABC". To ignore case, use the SEARCH function.
  • Ensure that search_for and text_to_search are not supplied in reverse order, or the #VALUE! error will likely be returned. The arguments are supplied in a different order than other text functions such as SPLIT and SUBSTITUTE.
  • It's recommended to use a function such as IFERROR to check for cases when there aren't matches to the search.
  • If the pattern you're searching for isn't found, #VALUE! is returned. 

See Also

SUBSTITUTE: Replaces existing text with new text in a string.

SPLIT: Divides text around a specified character or string, and puts each fragment into a separate cell in the row.

SEARCH: Returns the position at which a string is first found within text, ignoring case.

IFERROR: Returns the first argument if it is not an error value, otherwise returns the second argument if present, or a blank if the second argument is absent.

Examples

true
Visit the Learning Center

Using Google products, like Google Docs, at work or school? Try powerful tips, tutorials, and templates. Learn to work on Office files without installing Office, create dynamic project plans and team calendars, auto-organize your inbox, and more.

Search
Clear search
Close search
Google apps
Main menu
18423724365848172449
true
Search Help Center
true
true
true
true
true
35
false
false