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EXACT Function
Summary
The EXACT function compares two text strings and returns TRUE if they are exactly identical, FALSE otherwise. It performs a case-sensitive comparison, making it ideal for validating text entries and ensuring precise string matches in Excel worksheets.
Syntax
EXACT(text1, text2)Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| text1 | Text |
Yes | First text string for comparison (cell reference, text, or formula result) |
| text2 | Text |
Yes | Second text string for comparison (cell reference, text, or formula result) |
Using the EXACT Function
EXACT provides precise text comparison capabilities in Excel. Use it when you need to verify that two text entries are character-for-character identical, including case sensitivity. This function is particularly valuable for data validation, checking user input, and ensuring consistency in text-based lookups.
Common EXACT Examples
Basic Case Sensitivity Check
=EXACT(A2,B2)Returns TRUE if cells A2 and B2 contain identical text including case, FALSE otherwise.
Space Detection
=EXACT("w ord","word")Returns FALSE because of the extra space between 'w' and 'ord' in the first string.
Case Mismatch Example
=EXACT("Word","word")Returns FALSE since 'W' (uppercase) differs from 'w' (lowercase).
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Errors and Solutions
#VALUE! error
Cause: Non-text arguments provided to text parameters
Solution: Ensure both arguments contain or evaluate to text values
Notes
- EXACT is case-sensitive: 'Apple' ≠ 'apple'
- Extra spaces are detected: 'hello ' ≠ 'hello'
- Formatting differences (bold, color) are ignored
- Use with TRIM and UPPER for case-insensitive comparisons
Compatibility
Available in: Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365
Not available in:
Content last reviewed: December 9, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2007+