EXACT Formula

Returns whether two strings are exactly equal, using case-sensitive comparison.

Syntax

Formula structure

Source: Quadratic docs
=EXACT(s1, s2)
s1
Required: Yes

Required argument used by the EXACT formula.

s2
Required: Yes

Required argument used by the EXACT formula.

Examples for the exact formula

Copy these examples into a spreadsheet and adjust the ranges for your own data.

EXACT syntax pattern

=EXACT(s1, s2)

Use this EXACT pattern as the starting point for your spreadsheet formula.

EXACT in a worksheet

=EXACT(s1, s2)

Returns whether two strings are exactly equal, using case-sensitive comparison.

When to use EXACT

Use EXACT when you need to return whether two strings are exactly equal, using case-sensitive comparison.

  • Clean, reshape, and compare text values.
  • Prepare labels, IDs, and imported text for analysis.

How EXACT works in Quadratic

In Quadratic, EXACT follows the syntax EXACT(s1, s2). The function works inside Quadratic formulas and can be combined with spreadsheet ranges, tables, and other formulas.

Common EXACT mistakes

Most EXACT issues come from mismatched argument types, ranges that do not cover the intended data, or optional parameters being omitted when the default behavior is not what you expected.

  • Check each required parameter before copying the formula across a sheet.
  • Confirm that ranges line up with the rows or columns you intend to analyze.
  • Use Quadratic AI to explain or debug the formula when the result looks wrong.

Related formulas

EXACT formula FAQ

What does the exact formula do?

EXACT returns whether two strings are exactly equal, using case-sensitive comparison.

What is the syntax for EXACT?

The syntax is EXACT(s1, s2). Required and optional parameters are listed at the top of this guide.

Can Quadratic AI help with EXACT?

Yes. Quadratic AI can write a EXACT formula, explain existing formula logic, or help debug broken references and unexpected results.

Quadratic AI

Struggling with formulas? Use Quadratic AI.

Spreadsheet formulas are powerful, but they get painful fast. A EXACT formula can start simple, then turn into logic that is hard to understand, easy to break, and difficult to share with the rest of your team.

Quadratic AI helps you write formulas, explain formula logic, debug broken references, and move beyond formulas when advanced analysis needs Python, SQL, charts, or connected data.

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Why formulas slow teams down

  • Long formulas become hard to read, understand, and trust.
  • Formula logic breaks when rows, columns, or assumptions change.
  • Manual updates make dashboards and reports fragile over time.
  • Complex formulas are difficult to explain, review, and share with teammates.
  • Advanced analysis quickly outgrows formula-only workflows.