When using FIND, the most common issues fall into 3 groups: errors, unexpected results, and fill-down use; this FAQ includes 3 common questions.
FAQ
Why does the FIND function return a #VALUE! error?
- Check whether the search text and the text to search arguments are in the correct order.
- Confirm that the text you want to find actually exists in the target text.
- Check whether the starting position is a valid number and does not exceed the text length.
- If extra spaces are present, clean the text and calculate again.
Why is the FIND result different from what I expected?
- Confirm that FIND is case-sensitive.
- Check whether the search starts from a specified starting position, which can change the returned position.
- Review the cell content for hidden spaces or special characters.
- If you need a case-insensitive lookup, use another text function that better fits that scenario.
How can I use the FIND function across multiple cells?
- Enter the correct FIND formula in the first target cell.
- Press Enter and confirm that the result is correct.
- Drag the fill handle in the lower-right corner of the cell to copy the formula to other cells.
- If some references need to stay fixed, add the
$symbol to those references.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| FIND | A text function that returns the position of the first occurrence of a specified string in text and is case-sensitive. |
| Argument | An input used by a function, such as the search text, the text to search, or the starting position. |
| Fill handle | The small square at the lower-right corner of a cell that can be used to copy formulas or fill results across cells. |