Google Sheet Contains : Function in Google Sheets

Google Sheets is one of the most popular spreadsheet tools available, offering an array of functions that help users manage and analyze data more effectively. One of the most powerful and versatile functions is the “Contains” function. Understanding how to use the “Contains” function can drastically improve how you search, filter, and organize data within your sheets. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Google Sheet Contains function, including syntax, practical applications, and tips for using it efficiently.

What Is the “Contains” Function in Google Sheets?

At its core, the Google Sheets “Contains” function allows you to search for specific text within a cell. This function is incredibly useful for filtering data, finding specific keywords, or checking whether a certain word or phrase is present in your dataset.

Unlike some other search functions, the “Contains” function doesn’t require an exact match. Instead, it checks if a given value (text or number) is part of a larger string. This flexibility makes it a go-to tool when working with large datasets.

For example, imagine you’re working with a list of customer feedback and you want to find entries that contain the word “excellent.” Using the Google Sheets Contains function, you can easily scan the entire list for that specific keyword, saving time and effort.

Overview of Google Sheets Functions

Before diving into the specifics of the “Contains” function, it’s helpful to understand the context in which it fits within Google Sheets. The “Contains” function often works best when combined with other functions, such as:

• SEARCH: Used to find specific substrings within text.
• IF: Helps evaluate conditions and return different values based on the results.
• FILTER: Allows you to display rows or columns that meet specific criteria.

Google Sheets also has Excel equivalents, such as the SEARCH and FIND functions, which work similarly. However, Google Sheets “Contains” is often easier to use, especially for beginners.

The Basic Syntax of “Contains” in Google Sheets

The Google Sheets “Contains” function operates through a basic syntax. Let’s take a closer look at how it’s structured:

=IF(CONTAINS(text, search_value), TRUE, FALSE)

Here’s a breakdown of each component:

• text: The cell or text string you want to search within.
• search_value: The text you’re searching for.
• TRUE/FALSE: The function will return TRUE if the search value is found, and FALSE if it’s not.

For example:

=IF(CONTAINS(A2, “apple”), TRUE, FALSE)

In this case, Google Sheets will check if the text in cell A2 contains the word “apple.” If it does, the formula returns TRUE; otherwise, it returns FALSE.

Using “Contains” with Text

One of the most common uses of Google Sheets Contains is searching for specific text within a cell. Whether you’re looking for a keyword in a list of product descriptions or a certain phrase in a large dataset, this function can help you quickly locate what you need.

Practical Example:

Suppose you have a list of customer reviews in Column A, and you’re interested in identifying those that contain the word “excellent.” You could write the following formula in Column B:

=IF(CONTAINS(A2, “excellent”), TRUE, FALSE)

The formula will return TRUE for reviews that contain the word “excellent” and FALSE for those that do not. You can then filter your data based on this result.

Case Sensitivity:

By default, Google Sheets Contains is case-insensitive, meaning it doesn’t distinguish between “apple” and “Apple.” However, if you need a case-sensitive match, you can combine the “Contains” function with the EXACT function.

For example:

=IF(EXACT(A2, “apple”), TRUE, FALSE)

This will ensure that only an exact match of “apple” in lowercase is found.

Advanced Usage with “Contains”

The Google Sheets Contains function becomes even more powerful when combined with other functions. Let’s explore a few advanced ways you can use it to create more complex queries.

Using “Contains” with FILTER:

If you have a dataset with multiple rows and you want to display only those rows that meet a specific condition, you can combine FILTER with Contains.

For example:

=FILTER(A2:A10, CONTAINS(A2:A10, “apple”))

This formula will filter the range A2:A10 and only show the rows that contain the word “apple.”

Nested Contains for Multiple Conditions:

If you’re working with multiple conditions, you can use nested “Contains” functions. For example, to check if a cell contains either “apple” or “banana,” you can use:

=IF(OR(CONTAINS(A2, “apple”), CONTAINS(A2, “banana”)), TRUE, FALSE)

This formula checks if either “apple” or “banana” appears in cell A2 and returns TRUE if either condition is met.

Working with Wildcards

Google Sheets “Contains” function supports wildcards, which can significantly enhance your search capabilities. The two most commonly used wildcards are:

• * (asterisk): Represents any number of characters.
• ? (question mark): Represents a single character.

Example: Using * for Partial Matches

If you’re looking for cells that contain any word starting with “ex,” you can use:

=IF(CONTAINS(A2, “ex*”), TRUE, FALSE)

This formula will match words like “excellent,” “extra,” and “example.”

Example: Using ? for Single Character Matches

You can use the ? wildcard when you’re looking for text with a single unknown character. For instance:

=IF(CONTAINS(A2, “e?ample”), TRUE, FALSE)

This will match “example,” “exmaple,” or any variation where the second character is any letter.

Practical Use Cases of “Contains” in Google Sheets

The Google Sheets Contains function is versatile and can be applied in a variety of scenarios. Here are some practical examples where it shines:

1. Customer Feedback Analysis

If you have a column with customer feedback, you might want to filter reviews that mention a specific keyword (e.g., “excellent”). This can help you quickly identify positive reviews.

2. Sorting Products by Category

Suppose you have a list of products and want to filter them based on specific keywords in their descriptions (e.g., “electronics,” “clothing”). Using Google Sheets Contains, you can easily sort and analyze your product list.

3. Tracking Project Status

For project management, you can use the “Contains” function to identify whether certain keywords (like “completed,” “in progress,” or “delayed”) appear in the status column. This can help keep track of the project’s progress at a glance.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While Google Sheets Contains is powerful, it’s not always perfect. Here are a few common issues users may face and how to resolve them:

• Case Sensitivity: If the formula isn’t returning results as expected, remember that by default, Contains is case-insensitive. Use EXACT if you need to match cases exactly.
• Not Finding Results: If your formula is returning FALSE when you expect a match, ensure that there are no extra spaces or characters in your data. Use the TRIM function to remove unnecessary spaces.
• Error Messages: If you’re getting an error, double-check that you’re referencing the correct cells and that your syntax is correct.

Best Practices for Using the Google Sheet Contains Function

To make the most out of the Google Sheets Contains function, here are a few best practices:

• Organize Your Data: Make sure your data is clean and well-structured. This makes it easier to use Contains effectively.
• Avoid Overusing Functions: While powerful, using too many nested functions can slow down your spreadsheet. Try to keep formulas as simple as possible.
• Use Conditional Formatting: Combine Contains with conditional formatting to visually highlight rows that meet specific criteria.

Alternative Methods for Similar Functionality

While the Google Sheets Contains function is extremely useful, there are other methods for pattern matching and searching within text. One alternative is REGEXMATCH, which provides more advanced pattern matching capabilities.

Comparison: Contains vs REGEXMATCH

REGEXMATCH allows you to search for more complex patterns, like specific combinations of letters or numbers, which can’t be achieved with Contains.

Conclusion

The Google Sheets Contains function is an essential tool for anyone looking to streamline their data search and filtering processes. Whether you’re analyzing customer feedback, sorting products by keywords, or managing a project, this function can save you time and effort. By combining it with other Google Sheets functions and exploring advanced features like wildcards and REGEX, you can unlock its full potential and make your spreadsheets more efficient than ever.

Now that you’ve learned how to use the Google Sheets Contains function, give it a try in your own projects. Practice makes perfect, and with these tips and tricks, you’ll be a master in no time.

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