Syntax
=EXACT(string1, string2)
string1- The first text.
string2- The second text.
EXACT function in Google Sheets
EXACT checks whether two text values are identical, including upper and lower case. A plain = comparison ignores case, so EXACT is what you need for passwords, codes and case-sensitive IDs.
Practice EXACT
Task 1 of 1
Codes are case-sensitive. Return TRUE in C2 only if the retyped code in B2 matches A2 exactly, including capitalization.
Tip: while typing a formula, click a cell or drag across cells to insert references. Press Enter to check, and Tab to accept a function suggestion.
EXACT examples
Each example below runs against this sample sheet. The results are calculated by the same engine as the practice grid.
| A | B | C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw name | SKU | Note |
| 2 | maya PATEL | ELC-0427-NY | Refund requested |
| 3 | leo rossi | FUR-1180-TX | Shipped |
| 4 | AVA KIM | OFC-0093-CA | Refund issued |
| Formula | Result | What it shows |
|---|---|---|
=EXACT(A3, "leo rossi") | TRUE | Identical, including case. |
=EXACT(A4, "Ava Kim") | FALSE | Same letters, different case. |
=A4 = "Ava Kim" | TRUE | A normal comparison ignores case. |
Tips and common mistakes
- EXACT also notices extra spaces. TRIM both sides first if spaces shouldn't matter.
Related functions
Learning step by step? EXACT is covered in Lesson 29: REPT, EXACT & VALUE of the free course.