How to Use the FINDB Function in WPS on Windows

This how-to guide includes 4 task topics for FINDB, all available without membership; use the index to jump to formula entry, parameter setup, combined usage, and result checking.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Enter the FINDB function

Entry point: Formulas tab → Formula bar

1. Open WPS Spreadsheet and select the cell where you want the result to appear.
2. Type = to begin the formula.
3. Type FINDB( to open the function pattern.
4. Get ready to enter the required arguments.

Success Criteria

• The formula bar shows =FINDB(.
• The selected cell is in formula editing mode.

Tips While Using

• Always start the formula with =.
• It is helpful to place the formula in a result cell instead of overwriting source text.

2. Set FINDB parameters

Entry point: Formula bar

1. After FINDB(, enter the text you want to find.
2. Type a comma, then enter the text string or cell reference to search.
3. If needed, enter the optional starting position as the third argument.
4. Check the parentheses and separators, then press Enter.

Success Criteria

• The cell returns a position number or the expected result.
• The formula syntax is complete and the closing parenthesis is in place.

Tips While Using

• Keep the argument order correct so the search text and source text are not reversed.
• If the target text is not found, review the original content before changing the formula.

3. Use FINDB with cross-sheet references or nested formulas

Entry point: Formulas tab → Formula bar

1. Reference cells from another worksheet as the search text or source text.
2. Place FINDB inside other functions when needed to build a combined calculation.
3. Check that references, quotation marks, and parentheses are complete.
4. Press Enter to return the combined result.

Success Criteria

• The formula returns a valid result.
• The cross-sheet or nested part does not show a syntax error.

Tips While Using

• If a sheet name contains spaces or special characters, verify the reference format carefully.
• For longer formulas, review the expression section by section in the formula bar.

4. Check and update calculation results

Entry point: Result cell / Formula bar

1. Change the source text or the search condition.
2. Watch whether the result cell updates automatically.
3. If the result looks wrong, review the argument types, referenced cells, and starting position.
4. Edit the formula again if needed and confirm the result.

Success Criteria

• The result updates when source data changes.
• The formula continues to calculate after edits.

Tips While Using

• Text format and actual character content can affect the returned position.
• If a referenced cell is blank, complete the data first and then test the result again.