In this presentation author and Excel expert David H. Ringstrom, CPA, introduces you to the world of pattern-based lookups using powerful tools like XLOOKUP and regular expressions. You’ll discover how to perform exact, approximate, and partial matches with XLOOKUP, as well as how to go further with advanced techniques such as either/or logic and pattern-based matching. David demystifies regular expressions by breaking down token structures and core components, and he demonstrates practical Excel functions like REGEXTEST, REGEXEXTRACT, and REGEXREPLACE. Along the way, you’ll see how sites like RegEx101.com can assist your pattern-building efforts and learn when to use fuzzy matching instead of regular expressions.

David is the author of “Microsoft Excel 365 for Dummies”, “Exploring Microsoft Excel’s Hidden Treasures”, and has written or co-authored six other books. He demonstrates every technique at least twice: first, on a PowerPoint slide with numbered steps, and second, in the subscription-based Excel for Microsoft 365. David draws your attention to any differences in Excel 2021, 2019 or 2016 during the presentation and in his detailed handouts. The handouts include an Excel workbook with most of the examples he uses during his demonstrations.

Excel for Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based product that receives periodic feature updates. Conversely, perpetually licensed versions have year numbers in their names and do not receive any feature updates.