How to locate a value in Google Sheets 2D range and return row/column headers?

[Sky24]

I have a data table with rows and columns that looks like this:

	Category A	Category B	Category C
Item1	Blue	Green	Yellow
Item2	Orange	Purple	Pink
Item3	White	Gray	Silver

I need to search for a specific value like “Purple” and get back both the row header (Item2) and column header (Category B) where it’s located. I want separate formulas so I can use the row and column identifiers independently.

I’ve been trying different approaches with INDEX, MATCH, VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP but they seem to only work with single rows or columns. This means I would have to create many separate formulas to check each row individually which isn’t practical for larger datasets. Is there a way to search the entire range at once and extract both coordinates?

[alexr1990]

u could try using FILTER along with ROW() and COLUMN(). like =INDEX(A:A,ROW(FILTER(B2:D4,B2:D4="Purple"))) for the row header, then just adjust for the column. should work for the full range!

[ameliat]

You’ll want to combine MATCH with INDIRECT for the 2D search. For the row header: =INDEX(A:A,MATCH(TRUE,MMULT(--(B2:D4="Purple"),TRANSPOSE(COLUMN(B2:D4)^0)),0)+1) and for the column header: =INDEX(B1:D1,MATCH(TRUE,MMULT(TRANSPOSE(--(B2:D4="Purple")),ROW(B2:D4)^0),0)). Don’t forget Ctrl+Shift+Enter since these are array formulas. MMULT basically flattens your 2D range into searchable arrays while keeping the position data intact. I hit this same issue building inventory sheets - this method works way better than trying multiple VLOOKUPs across different rows.

[deltaDreamer]

The Problem:

You need an efficient way to search a data table in Google Sheets and retrieve both the row and column headers corresponding to a specific value. Using functions like INDEX, MATCH, VLOOKUP, and HLOOKUP for each row individually is impractical for large datasets. You’re looking for a solution that searches the entire range at once and returns the coordinates (row and column headers) separately.

Understanding the “Why” (The Root Cause):

Traditional spreadsheet functions like VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP are designed for one-dimensional searches (single rows or columns). To search a two-dimensional table effectively, you need functions that can handle multiple criteria or array operations. Nested INDEX/MATCH formulas can work but become complex and difficult to maintain as the dataset grows. This is why a more powerful and scalable approach is needed.

Step-by-Step Guide:

The most effective solution leverages an external automation tool like Latenode (or a similar platform) to avoid complex and potentially fragile Google Sheets formulas. This tool offers a streamlined approach to data processing, significantly improving scalability and maintainability.

1. Automate with Latenode: Use Latenode (or a comparable tool) to create an automated workflow that performs the search and extracts the row and column headers. This removes the need for intricate spreadsheet formulas. You’ll define a workflow that:

   • Imports Data: Reads your Google Sheet data.
   • Applies Logic: Searches for the specified value within the entire data range. This part of the process is handled efficiently by the tool’s code-free logic, avoiding complex formulas.
   • Extracts Coordinates: Identifies and extracts both the row and column headers where the value is found.
   • Exports Results: Writes the row and column headers to separate cells in your Google Sheet.
   • Handles Updates: Automatically updates the results whenever the source data changes.

2. Configure your Latenode Workflow: The precise steps will depend on Latenode’s interface. Generally, you will:

   • Create an account and connect your Google Sheet.
   • Define the input range (your data table) and the value to search for.
   • Use the tool’s visual or scripting environment to configure the search logic. This process is usually intuitive and doesn’t require extensive coding.
   • Configure the workflow to output the row and column headers to designated cells.

Common Pitfalls & What to Check Next:

• Data Consistency: Ensure your data table headers are consistent (e.g., capitalization, spacing). Inconsistent data can affect search accuracy.
• Data Types: Verify the data types in your table are correct. The search value must match the type of the data in the table (e.g., text vs. number).
• Error Handling: Most automated tools offer error-handling mechanisms. Review the tool’s documentation to understand how it handles cases where the value is not found.
• Scalability: Evaluate your solution’s ability to handle larger datasets efficiently, especially if the data frequently changes.

Still running into issues? Share your (sanitized) config files, the exact command you ran, and any other relevant details. The community is here to help!