Find similiar fields

[Sean G.]

Hello,

I'm trying to compare to columns to find similiar
entries. I have this function:
=IF(ISERROR(MATCH(A1,$C$1:$C$5,0)),"",A1) ---- but
that only finds exact matching fields. I need one that
can vary from a few letters or so... i.e. a field
with "davis" would match with "david"... thank you for
your help

-Sean G.

 

[hgrove]

Sean G. wrote...

I'm trying to compare to columns to find similiar entries. I have
this function:
=IF(ISERROR(MATCH(A1,$C$1:$C$5,0)),"",A1)
but that only finds exact matching fields. I need one that can
vary from a few letters or so... i.e. a field with "davis" would
match with "david"...

Try a Google Groups advancde search for the phrase

approximate match

in the *excel* newsgroups

 

[Alex]

Hi!

What you have to do is:
replace:
MATCH(A1,$C$1:$C$5,0)),"",
by:
MATCH(LEFT(A1;4),LEFT($C$1:$C$5;4),0)),"",

This will trunc all you data!!

Best regards,

Alex