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MATCH values not in order

ResolvedVersion 365

Benedict has attended:
Excel Advanced course

MATCH values not in order

Hello, I'd like to know if there is any way I can use a MATCH formula - or something similar - to return a value when the lookup array isn't in ascending/descending order.

I have a grid of four rows, one row for each quarter and against three brands, and the values in the grid refer to the start dates of each quarter for each brand. In my line of work, quarter start dates don't adhere strictly to the calendar month. This is a rolling grid in that once I become aware of the next quarter start date, I overwrite last year's start date with this year's. In the below example, I know the Q1 2023 start date, but have not yet received the Q2 2023 start date, so the 2022 values are still in place.

;BRAND 1 ;BRAND 2 ;BRAND3
Q1;03/01/2023;05/01/2023;04/01/2023
Q2;01/04/2022;02/04/2022;01/04/2022
Q3;02/07/2022;02/07/2022;01/07/2022
Q4;04/10/2022;04/10/2022;05/10/2022

I also have a cell with =TODAY() in. I need to be able to identify the most recent quarter start date in a given column that is equal to or less than today's date, however, because the rolling grid will only ever be in ascending order for one quarter a year (Q4, once all dates for the year are known) the MATCH formula is unable to produce the result I need. Is there any solution to this?

Thanks,

Benedict

RE: MATCH values not in order

Found the solution in MAXIFS(QUARTER DATES,QUARTER DATES,"<="&TODAY())

Excel tip:

Checking formulas with multiple operators

When dealing with formulas containing more than one operator (+, -, /, *), Excel follow standard BEDMAS order of operation rules. These rules specify the order that calculations will be performed in, regardless of how the formula reads left to right:

B = brackets
E = exponents
D = division
M = multiplication
A = addition
S = subtraction

It should be noted that multiplication and division are considered equal; as are addition and subtraction.

If you would like to check the order in which Excel is performing calculations in a formula, simply click on the cell containing the formula. Then go to Tools - Formula Auditing and select Evaluate Formula.

In the Evaluate Formula dialogue box that appears on your screen, click the Evaluate button to see how Excel calculates the formula result.

View all Excel hints and tips

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