WPS EXACT is a text comparison function in WPS Sheets for checking whether two text strings are exactly the same; this guide covers 3 core tasks, with 3 available without membership and 0 membership-related items.
At a Glance
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Core tasks | 3 | Matches the number of rows in the How-to Index |
| Available without membership | 3 | Matches the number of Free rows in the index |
| Membership-related items | 0 | Matches the number of membership-related rows in the index |
About This Feature
Overview
EXACT is a built-in text function in WPS Sheets that compares two text values and returns whether they are exactly identical. It checks character content, letter case, and spacing differences, making it useful for exact matching, data checks, and validation before cleanup.
Core tasks include:
- Finding and inserting the EXACT function from the Insert Function dialog box when you want guided formula entry.
- Typing
=EXACT(...)directly in a cell or the formula bar for faster entry and fill-down use. - Reviewing the function syntax and parameter details before entering or adjusting a formula.
System Requirements
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| OS | A Windows device that can run WPS Office |
| App version | The latest version of WPS Office is recommended |
| Network | No required internet connection for local formula entry and calculation; internet access is needed for online help or downloads |
| Other | You need to open WPS Sheets and edit worksheet cells |
Download & Installation
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Download | WPS Office Free Download |
| Post-install Check | Launch WPS Office, open a spreadsheet file, select a cell, and confirm that related options are available on the Formula tab |
Source: WPS Download Center
Compare with Alternatives
| Dimension | WPS | Microsoft | Notion | Adobe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capability Summary | Provides the EXACT function to test whether two text strings are exactly identical, and it can be used through Insert Function or direct formula entry. | Word provides Find and Replace and supports Match case for case-sensitive text searches, but it is not a worksheet function workflow. | Google Sheets provides the EXACT function to test whether two strings are identical, including case, spaces, and hidden characters. | Notion formulas can perform calculations and text-related logic with properties, built-ins, and functions, but they are database formulas rather than a spreadsheet EXACT workflow. | Acrobat provides document comparison tools for reviewing differences between PDF versions, rather than cell-by-cell worksheet formula comparison. |
| WPS Advantages | Advantage: Returns TRUE or FALSE directly in worksheet cells, which fits spreadsheet validation, fill-down checks, and formula-based workflows. | Compared with WPS: Better suited to document-level find and replace, not worksheet formula comparison. | Compared with WPS: Also supports exact text comparison; WPS fits a desktop spreadsheet workflow with local workbook editing. | Compared with WPS: Better suited to database property formulas and page workflows, not traditional spreadsheet cell formula entry. | Compared with WPS: Better suited to PDF revision review, not text comparison across worksheet cells. |
| Official Source | — | Find and replace text in Word | EXACT | Intro to formulas | Compare two versions of a PDF file |
Overall Conclusion
If your main task is exact text comparison in a spreadsheet, the EXACT function in WPS is a practical fit for cell-based calculation. Other products are better aligned with document search, database formulas, or PDF revision review in their own workflows.
Use Cases
| # | Scenario | Target Users | Core Pain Point | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check whether two text columns are exactly the same | Data entry staff | Matching values may still differ in case or spaces | Use EXACT to compare two cells and return TRUE or FALSE |
| 2 | Verify whether imported data changed | Finance and operations staff | Imported text may not keep the same formatting | Use EXACT to compare original values with imported values |
| 3 | Mark results together with IF | Spreadsheet analysts | Comparison results need to be turned into readable labels | Nest EXACT inside IF or similar functions |
| 4 | Fill comparison formulas down a range | Everyday office users | Checking rows one by one is inefficient | Enter EXACT in the first row and use the fill handle |
| 5 | Learn the basics of text functions | New users | Function parameters may be unfamiliar | Use Insert Function to review parameter guidance and complete entry |
Membership & Benefits
Free vs WPS Premium
| Feature | Free User | WPS Member |
|---|---|---|
| Use basic spreadsheet functions such as EXACT | ✅ | ✅ |
| Basic spreadsheet editing and calculation | ✅ | ✅ |
| Additional advanced benefits and extended capabilities | Some features may depend on the plan scope | More advanced features and service coverage are available |
Source: WPS Office pricing page
Recommendations
| Use Case | Recommended Plan | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday input and basic text comparison | Free | The EXACT function itself can be used for routine spreadsheet comparison tasks |
| Long-term work that also needs more advanced office capabilities | WPS Member | Suitable when you also need broader feature access and service coverage |
How to Subscribe
- WPS membership center: Subscribe now
Source: WPS Office pricing page