Excel - EXACT Function



EXACT Function

The best way to compare the two Excel fields is achievable through the IF and Exact functions. Gradually, the IF function ignores the case differences, whereas the EXACT function matters the case differences. The Excel EXACT function contrasts two text strings and returns a logical value, TRUE or FALSE. It is categorized as part of the TEXT function. For example, we can compare encrypted codes, populate the matched data, and validate data among worksheets.

Compatibility

This prominent Excel function is compatible with the following versions of MS-Excel −

  • Excel for Microsoft 365
  • Excel for Microsoft 365 for Mac
  • Excel for the web
  • Excel 2024
  • Excel 2024 for Mac
  • Excel 2021
  • Excel 2021 for Mac
  • Excel 2019
  • Excel 2016
  • Excel 2013
  • Excel 2010
  • Excel 2007

Syntax

The syntax of the EXACT function is as follows −

EXACT (text1, text2)

Arguments

You can use the following arguments with the EXACT function −

Argument Description Required / Optional
Text1 It indicates a text string. Required
Text2 It denotes another text string. Required

Points To Remember

  • The EXACT function evaluates the upper and lower case differently, but formatting differences are avoided.
  • Utilize the EXACT function to verify text being copied into a worksheet.

Use of EXACT Function in EXCEL

The step-by-step instructions are written below −

  • Expedite the Excel worksheet.
  • Select the target cell, type the = sign, and then EXACT and then ("text 1"/cell reference", "text 2"/cell reference ).
  • Hit the Enter tab to get the TRUE/FALSE value depending on the string comparison.

How to Compare the Two Columns in an Excel Worksheet?

To compare two columns in an Excel worksheet, there are different ways to do it depending on what you're trying to findlike matching values, differences, or highlighting errors.

Solution

Step 1 − First, assume the sample worksheet where two text strings are specified in the B and C columns that will be compared through the EXACT function.

Two Columns Compared Through EXACT Function 1

Two Columns Compared Through EXACT Function 2

Step 2 − After that, enter the formula =EXACT(B3,C3) in the D3 cell.

Enter Formula EXACT in D3 Cell

After pressing Enter, the EXACT function will retrieve the TRUE value, which means both text strings are equal.

EXACT Function will Retrieve TRUE Value

Step 3 − To compare the text strings in the range B4:C6, select the D3 cell, drag the + sign at the bottom right corner, and drop it into the D6 cell.

Compare Text Strings in Range B4:C6

Ignore The Case Difference

Note − To ignore the case difference, you can use the IF function like =IF(B5=C5, TRUE, FALSE) in the desired cell.

Download Practice Sheet

You can download and use the sample data sheet to practice the EXACT function.

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