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SEARCH & SEARCHB Functions
Summary
The SEARCH function finds the position of one text string within another, returning the starting character position. SEARCHB provides byte-based positioning for double-byte character sets. Both functions are case-insensitive and support wildcard searches.
Syntax
SEARCH(find_text, within_text, [start_num])
SEARCHB(find_text, within_text, [start_num])Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| find_text | Text |
Yes | Required text to find within another string |
| within_text | Text |
Yes | Required text string to search within |
| start_num | Number |
No | Optional character/byte position to begin search |
Using the SEARCH, SEARCHB Function
SEARCH and SEARCHB are powerful text positioning functions ideal for parsing strings, extracting substrings, and dynamic text manipulation. Use SEARCH for standard Unicode characters and SEARCHB for legacy double-byte character sets like Japanese.
Common SEARCH, SEARCHB Examples
Basic Position Finding
=SEARCH("n","printer")Returns 4 - position of 'n' in 'printer'
Word Within Word
=SEARCH("base","database")Returns 5 - 'base' starts at position 5
Extract Word After Space
=MID("Profit Margin",SEARCH(" ","Profit Margin")+1,6)Returns 'Margin' - extracts text after first space
Replace Found Text
=REPLACE("Profit Margin",SEARCH("margin","Profit Margin"),6,"Amount")Returns 'Profit Amount' - replaces found text
Wildcard Matching
=SEARCH("*boss*","The boss is here.")Returns 5 - matches with asterisks as wildcards
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Errors and Solutions
#VALUE! Error
Cause: find_text not found or invalid start_num
Solution: Verify text exists and start_num is valid (1 or greater)
Wrong Position
Cause: Case sensitivity confusion or start_num too high
Solution: Remember SEARCH ignores case; check string length
SEARCHB Deprecated Warning
Cause: Using SEARCHB in modern workbooks
Solution: Use SEARCH unless double-byte characters required
Notes
- SEARCH is not case-sensitive (use FIND for case-sensitive)
- Wildcards: ? = single char, * = any characters, ~=literal
- Default start_num is 1
- SEARCHB deprecated but available for compatibility
- Excel 2007+ improved surrogate pair handling
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+