Function Problems

How to Use XMATCH with ADDRESS and CELL Functions in Excel

Camila Milosovich Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to retrieve the exact cell reference of a lookup value by combining the XMATCH function with addressing functions like ADDRESS, CELL, or INDEX.

How to Use XMATCH with ADDRESS and CELL Functions in Excel

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Converting the relative position returned by XMATCH into an absolute worksheet column and row number to identify the exact cell address.
Observed behavior: XMATCH successfully returns the relative position of a value in an array, but formulas require a conversion step to translate this numeric position into a standard cell address like $E$2.

Before you start

Ensure you are using a spreadsheet version that supports the XMATCH function (such as Microsoft 365, Excel 2021, or the latest version of WPS Office) and verify the exact data range you plan to reference.

Solution 1Recommended

Use ADDRESS and XMATCH to Return Cell References

Calculate the exact row and column numbers by adding the XMATCH relative position to the starting column index.

The ADDRESS function creates a cell address based on a given row and column number. By using COLUMN() to find the starting column and adding the XMATCH result (minus 1 to account for the starting cell), you can generate an absolute reference.

Select the destination cell

Click on an empty cell where you want the resulting cell address to be displayed.

Enter the ADDRESS formula

Type the formula: =ADDRESS(ROW(D2), COLUMN(D2) + XMATCH("d", D2:I2, 0) - 1). In this example, "d" is the lookup value and D2:I2 is the search range.

Calculate the result

Press the Enter key. The cell will now display the absolute reference of the matched value (e.g., $G$2).

Use ADDRESS and XMATCH to Return Cell References

Adjusting for Ranges: If your search range does not start at the very first column (Column A), utilizing COLUMN(start_cell) ensures your offset remains accurate regardless of where the data is located.

Solution 2

Combine CELL, INDEX, and XMATCH

Use the INDEX function to return a reference to the cell, then wrap it in the CELL function to extract and display the address as text.

Solution 3

Utilize CELL and OFFSET with XMATCH

Use the OFFSET function to shift horizontally from a starting cell by the number of columns returned by XMATCH.

Perform Advanced Lookup Functions Seamlessly with WPS Office

WPS Spreadsheet fully supports advanced array functions including XMATCH, XLOOKUP, INDEX, and MATCH. You can execute these exact formulas to find cell addresses and manage complex datasets efficiently, enjoying a smooth and familiar user experience.

1. Open your workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open the document containing your data range.
2. Select the formula cell: Click on the specific cell where you want to retrieve the cell address.
3. Navigate to the formula bar: Click inside the formula bar at the top of the interface.
4. Enter the lookup combination: Type your preferred formula, such as =ADDRESS(ROW(D2), COLUMN(D2) + XMATCH("d", D2:I2, 0) - 1).
5. Press Enter to calculate: Hit Enter to instantly calculate the formula and display the exact cell reference.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formulas, functions, and file formats (.xlsx).Natively supports advanced dynamic array functions like XMATCH and XLOOKUP.Lightweight, fast, and free to use for everyday data analysis and formula building.Familiar tabbed interface ensures a zero-learning-curve transition.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does XMATCH return a number instead of a cell reference?

The XMATCH function is specifically designed to return the relative position (index number) of a matched item within the specified array or range. It does not return a worksheet cell object, which is why it must be combined with functions like ADDRESS or INDEX to get the actual cell address.

Can I use MATCH instead of XMATCH with ADDRESS and CELL?

Yes. The classic MATCH function behaves similarly by returning a relative position. You can substitute MATCH for XMATCH if you are using an older spreadsheet version, provided you ensure the match type parameter (usually 0 for exact match) is set correctly.

Why do I need to subtract 1 from the XMATCH result in the formula?

When calculating a column offset using ADDRESS or OFFSET alongside COLUMN(), the starting cell itself occupies the first position. Subtracting 1 ensures the offset shift is calculated correctly; otherwise, the formula would overshoot the target cell by one column.

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