Perform multiple partial matches and return records – AND logic
Can expand this equation set into more than two colums of data, say if I had a first, middle and last name column could I only display the values in which all three cases are true?This blog article answers a question in this article: Lookup with multiple criteria and display multiple search results using excel formula
Array formula in F8:
To enter an array formula, type the formula in a cell then press and hold CTRL + SHIFT simultaneously, now press Enter once. Release all keys.
The formula bar now shows the formula with a beginning and ending curly bracket telling you that you entered the formula successfully. Don't enter the curly brackets yourself.
Explaining formula in cell F8
Step 1 - Search for criteria
The SEARCH function allows you to find a string in a cell and it's position. It also allows you to search for multiple strings in multiple cells if you arrange values in a way that works. That is why I use the TRANSPOSE function to transpose the values.
SEARCH(TRANSPOSE($G$2:$G$4), $B$3:$D$17)
becomes
SEARCH(TRANSPOSE({"a"; "o"; "o"}), $B$3:$D$17)
becomes
SEARCH(TRANSPOSE({"a"; "o"; "o"}), {"Federer", "Peter", " Roger ";"Djokovic", "Ted", " Novak ";"Murray", "Steven", " Andy ";"Davydenko", "Roy", " Nikolay ";"Roddick", "James", " Andy ";"Del Potro", "William", " Juan Martin ";"Verdasco", "John", " Fernando ";"Gonzalez", "Kevin", " Fernando ";"Wawrinka", "Brian", " Stanislas ";"Blake", "Ted", " James ";"Nalbandian", "Bill", " David ";"Robredo", "George", " Tommy ";"Cilic", "Bruce", " Marin ";"Stepanek", "Michael", " Radek ";"Almagro", "Pihilip", " Nicolas "})
and returns
{#VALUE!, #VALUE!, 3;#VALUE!, #VALUE!, 3;5, #VALUE!, #VALUE!;2, 2, 5;#VALUE!, #VALUE!, #VALUE!;#VALUE!, #VALUE!, #VALUE!;5, 2, 9;5, #VALUE!, 9;2, #VALUE!, #VALUE!;3, #VALUE!, #VALUE!;2, #VALUE!, #VALUE!;#VALUE!, 3, 3;#VALUE!, #VALUE!, #VALUE!;5, #VALUE!, #VALUE!;1, #VALUE!, 5}.
Step 2 - Convert numbers to true
The ISNUMBER function returns TRUE if value is a number and FALSE for everything else even errors which is very handy in this case, the search function returns #VALUE! error if a string is not found in a particular cell.
--(ISNUMBER(SEARCH(TRANSPOSE($G$2:$G$4), $B$3:$D$17)))
becomes
--(ISNUMBER({#VALUE!, #VALUE!, 3;#VALUE!, #VALUE!, 3;5, #VALUE!, #VALUE!;2, 2, 5;#VALUE!, #VALUE!, #VALUE!;#VALUE!, #VALUE!, #VALUE!;5, 2, 9;5, #VALUE!, 9;2, #VALUE!, #VALUE!;3, #VALUE!, #VALUE!;2, #VALUE!, #VALUE!;#VALUE!, 3, 3;#VALUE!, #VALUE!, #VALUE!;5, #VALUE!, #VALUE!;1, #VALUE!, 5}))
becomes
--({FALSE, FALSE, TRUE;FALSE, FALSE, TRUE;TRUE, FALSE, FALSE;TRUE, TRUE, TRUE;FALSE, FALSE, FALSE;FALSE, FALSE, FALSE;TRUE, TRUE, TRUE;TRUE, FALSE, TRUE;TRUE, FALSE, FALSE;TRUE, FALSE, FALSE;TRUE, FALSE, FALSE;FALSE, TRUE, TRUE;FALSE, FALSE, FALSE;TRUE, FALSE, FALSE;TRUE, FALSE, TRUE})
The MMULT function can't work with boolean values so we need to convert them into their numerical equivalents. TRUE - 1 annd FALSE - 0 (zero).
--({FALSE, FALSE, TRUE;FALSE, FALSE, TRUE;TRUE, FALSE, FALSE;TRUE, TRUE, TRUE;FALSE, FALSE, FALSE;FALSE, FALSE, FALSE;TRUE, TRUE, TRUE;TRUE, FALSE, TRUE;TRUE, FALSE, FALSE;TRUE, FALSE, FALSE;TRUE, FALSE, FALSE;FALSE, TRUE, TRUE;FALSE, FALSE, FALSE;TRUE, FALSE, FALSE;TRUE, FALSE, TRUE})
and returns
{0, 0, 1;0, 0, 1;1, 0, 0;1, 1, 1;0, 0, 0;0, 0, 0;1, 1, 1;1, 0, 1;1, 0, 0;1, 0, 0;1, 0, 0;0, 1, 1;0, 0, 0;1, 0, 0;1, 0, 1}
Step 3 - Sum values row-wise
MMULT(--(ISNUMBER(SEARCH(TRANSPOSE($G$2:$G$4), $B$3:$D$17))), {1;1;1})
becomes
MMULT({0, 0, 1;0, 0, 1;1, 0, 0;1, 1, 1;0, 0, 0;0, 0, 0;1, 1, 1;1, 0, 1;1, 0, 0;1, 0, 0;1, 0, 0;0, 1, 1;0, 0, 0;1, 0, 0;1, 0, 1}, {1;1;1})
and returns
{1; 1; 1; 3; 0; 0; 3; 2; 1; 1; 1; 2; 0; 1; 2}
Step 4 - Convert non-numerical values to corresponding row numbers
The following IF function returns the row number if number is 3, there are three strings that must match. FALSE returns "" (nothing).
IF(MMULT(--(ISNUMBER(SEARCH(TRANSPOSE($G$2:$G$4), $B$3:$D$17))), {1; 1; 1})=3, MATCH(ROW($B$3:$D$17), ROW($B$3:$D$17)), "")
becomes
IF({1; 1; 1; 3; 0; 0; 3; 2; 1; 1; 1; 2; 0; 1; 2}=3, MATCH(ROW($B$3:$D$17), ROW($B$3:$D$17)), "")
becomes
IF({1; 1; 1; 3; 0; 0; 3; 2; 1; 1; 1; 2; 0; 1; 2}=3, {1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 15}, "")
and returns
{"";"";"";4;"";"";7;"";"";"";"";"";"";"";""}.
Step 5 - Extract k-th smallest value in array
The SMALL function makes sure that a new value is returned in each row.
SMALL(IF(MMULT(--(ISNUMBER(SEARCH(TRANSPOSE($G$2:$G$4), $B$3:$D$17))), {1; 1; 1})=3, MATCH(ROW($B$3:$D$17), ROW($B$3:$D$17)), ""), ROWS($A$1:A1))
becomes
SMALL({"";"";"";4;"";"";7;"";"";"";"";"";"";"";""}, ROWS($A$1:A1))
The ROWS function returns a new number because the cell reference expands as the formula is copied to cells below.
SMALL({"";"";"";4;"";"";7;"";"";"";"";"";"";"";""}, ROWS($A$1:A1))
becomes
SMALL({"";"";"";4;"";"";7;"";"";"";"";"";"";"";""}, 1)
and returns 4.
Step 6 - Return value
The INDEX function returns a value based on a row and column number.
INDEX($B$3:$D$17, SMALL(IF(MMULT(--(ISNUMBER(SEARCH(TRANSPOSE($G$2:$G$4), $B$3:$D$17))), {1; 1; 1})=3, MATCH(ROW($B$3:$D$17), ROW($B$3:$D$17)), ""), ROWS($A$1:A1)), COLUMNS($A$1:A1))
becomes
INDEX($B$3:$D$17, 4, COLUMNS($A$1:A1))
becomes
INDEX($B$3:$D$17, 4, 1)
and returns "Davydenko" in cell F8.
Get Excel *.xlsx file
multiple criteria lookup with multiple results.xlsx
Lookup with multiple criteria and display multiple search results (VBA)
Where to copy vba code
- Copy vba code below
- Press Alt + F11
- Insert a new module
- Paste code into code window
- Return to Excel
Array Formula in cell E9:
=Searchtbl(F2:F4;A2:C16)
How to create array formula
- Select cell range E9:G11
- Type above array formula
- Press and hold Ctrl + Shift
- Press Enter once
- Release alla keys
Function Searchtbl(SrchRng As Variant, tbl As Variant) As Variant
'SrchRng must have equal number of cells as headers in table
Dim i, r, c As Single
Dim tempArray() As Variant
ReDim tempArray(tbl.Columns.Count - 1, 0)
tbl = tbl.Value
SrchRng = SrchRng.Value
For r = LBound(tbl, 1) To UBound(tbl, 1)
i = 0
For c = LBound(SrchRng) To UBound(SrchRng)
If InStr(UCase(tbl(r, c)), UCase(SrchRng(c, 1))) = 0 Then
i = 0
Exit For
Else
i = i + 1
End If
Next c
If i = UBound(tbl, 2) Then
For c = LBound(tempArray, 1) To UBound(tempArray, 1)
tempArray(c, UBound(tempArray, 2)) = tbl(r, c + 1)
Next c
ReDim Preserve tempArray(UBound(tempArray, 1), UBound(tempArray, 2) + 1)
i = 0
End If
Next r
ReDim Preserve tempArray(UBound(tempArray, 1), UBound(tempArray, 2) - 1)
Searchtbl = Application.Transpose(tempArray)
End Function
Get excel file *.xls
multiple-criteria-lookup-with-multiple-results-vba.xls
Search and return multiple values category
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Excel categories
16 Responses to “Perform multiple partial matches and return records – AND logic”
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You are a genius. Formulas are simple, and easy to understand.
Could this be done to filter for 10 criteria?
10 criteria in each column? 10 criteria in all columns?
Hi,
i had a similar query and i believe your example is the way forward for me but i can't get my search to work.
like your example i'm searching 3 columns but in a table of 8 colums and the search function is on a seperate tab. there is also a gap between the columns i'm searching. i also decided not to name the ranges as they may change. are any of the above affecting the formala or is it just me?
ignore my last comment... it works a treat!! (i put in one too many $ signs!!)
Thanks!
I second G's question: can this be done for more than 3?
i.e.
(Instead of last name, middle, first)
customer#, cust name, appt date, appt time, venue, coordinator, assistant
Thanks for putting this up!
D,
See this blog post: https://www.get-digital-help.com/lookup-with-multiple-criteria-and-display-multiple-search-results-using-excel-formula-part-4/
I applied this in my spreadsheet and worked perfectly well.
However, I noticed that if a cell in the search range is blank, it does not include it in the results. In your example, if B2 was blank instead of having the value "Ted." that name would not show up in the search results (E9:E11).
Is there a work around for this? The spreadsheet I have may have blank cells but I need them to show in the results page.
Thanks!!!
THis is great!!!
What if I want to search using 4 criteria? Can you please help me?
Thanks!
Min,
I have changed the formula. I think the new formula is easier. I have also written an explanation, perhaps with help from explanation, you can now add a fourth criterion yourself? Otherwise, comment here again.
I uploaded a new file, as well.
Hi,
Your articles are really helpful! Can you please suggest if i want to find out the rows with fixed value in "First Name" but, if either of the criteria for "Middle Name" or "Last Name" will suffice. Also, i don't want repeated values in the final sheet.
For eg:
FN: a
MN: o
LN: o
Then, Davydenko Roy Nikolay should come only once.
Regards
RU,
Read this post: Lookup with multiple criteria and display multiple unique search results (array formula)
This solution was elegant and consistent! The only issue I am facing, (or so I've been told by an associate) is that as the number of entries increases, it would be best to write this functionality into a module(?) for the sake of performance. Any ideas, solutiobns or resources would be appreciated!! Thank you!!
Jim,
I have added a custom function to this post. I have not done any performance testing.
Oscar = Legend / Demigod
Thanks for your time and skill explaining this for all us mortals.
Stuart,
Thank you for commenting!
The explanations are not that hard to do. Select a cell containing a formula. Press with left mouse button in the formula bar. Press F9 and the formula is converted into a value. This also works for array formulas.