How to Use the MATCH Function in WPS on Windows

Last updated:July 20, 2026

Use the MATCH function through 4 how-to topics in WPS Spreadsheet; all 4 are available without membership and 0 are membership-related.

How-to Index

No.TopicMembership Requirement
11. Enter the MATCH functionFree
22. Review syntax prompts and fill in argumentsFree
33. Use cross-sheet references and nested calculationsFree
44. Check results and trigger recalculationFree

How-to Guide

1. Enter the MATCH function

Entry point: Formulas tab → formula bar

  1. Open WPS Spreadsheet and select the cell where you want the result to appear.
  2. Enter = in the formula bar or directly in the cell.
  3. Type MATCH(.
  4. Get ready to enter the lookup value, lookup range, and match type.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The cell enters formula editing mode and shows =MATCH(.
  • Next action available: You can continue entering arguments and complete the formula.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: If you do not start with =, the content may be treated as plain text.
  • Environment note: You need an editable cell in WPS Spreadsheet.

2. Review syntax prompts and fill in arguments

Entry point: Function input state in the formula bar

  1. After typing MATCH(, review the syntax prompt shown by the app.
  2. Enter the lookup target first.
  3. Enter the lookup range and confirm that the selected range matches your calculation needs.
  4. Enter the match argument and close the parenthesis.
  5. Press Enter to confirm the formula.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The cell shows a calculated result instead of plain formula text.
  • Next action available: When you select the cell again, the full MATCH formula is visible in the formula bar.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: Unclosed parentheses or incomplete argument separators can cause formula errors.
  • Environment note: Keep the argument type consistent with the lookup range.

3. Use cross-sheet references and nested calculations

Entry point: Formula bar → direct input or selecting a range on another worksheet

  1. Enter a MATCH formula in the target cell.
  2. Switch to another worksheet and select the range you want to reference.
  3. If needed, continue typing so MATCH becomes part of a larger nested formula.
  4. Check the referenced range and parentheses, then press Enter.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The formula includes a cross-sheet reference and returns a result.
  • Next action available: You can continue combining MATCH with other functions for more advanced lookup tasks.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: Selecting the wrong range after switching worksheets can affect the returned position.
  • Environment note: The related worksheets need to be in the current file and accessible.

4. Check results and trigger recalculation

Entry point: Result cell → automatic update after data changes

  1. Check whether the relative position returned by MATCH matches your expectation.
  2. Modify the source data in the lookup range and observe whether the result updates automatically.
  3. If needed, use recalculation to refresh the current result.
  4. Compare the result with the source range again to confirm the returned position.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: When source data changes, the result cell updates accordingly.
  • Next action available: You can keep adjusting arguments and validating the result.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: Treating the returned position as the original value instead of its index in the range.
  • Environment note: Inconsistent data formats can affect the result.