FUZZY MATCHING DATA BY SIMILARITY

Introduction to Fuzzy Matching Data

Efficiently perform fuzzy matching and merge data from different sources within Google Sheets using Flookup. This powerful function allows you to compare and link records based on percentage similarity or sound similarity. This is essential for creating a unified single source of truth within your spreadsheet.

Whether you are dealing with slight variations in names, addresses or product descriptions, Flookup provides the tools to intelligently match and merge your Google Sheets data, ensuring accuracy and consistency across your datasets.

Fuzzy Match by Percentage Similarity

1. Open the sidebar
   Navigate to Extensions > Flookup Data Wrangler > Fuzzy match and merge > By percentage in your spreadsheet menu.
2. Select the mode to run
   
   • Return best match only: Returns the best match for every lookup value.
   • Return best match and similarity: Returns the best match and its respective similarity.
   • Return best match and row number: Returns the best match and the row in which it is located.
3. Select the range containing the lookup value
   Highlight a single column of data and click Grab selected range to read it into the Primary range.
4. Select the range to compare
   Highlight a separate range of one or more columns and click Grab selected range to read it into the Secondary range.
5. Specify the Lookup_column index
   This is the column in the Secondary range to compare with values in the Primary range (index 1 = first column, index 2 = second, etc.).
6. Specify the Return_column index
   This is the column in the Secondary range from which matches are to be returned.
7. Set the level of similarity
   Enter the minimum percentage similarity. The default value is 0.8.
8. Specify the output location
   Click any empty cell where you would like your results to be displayed. For more advanced control, consider using the FLOOKUP custom function directly in your sheet.
9. Get fuzzy matches
   Click the Get fuzzy matches button to finish.

Notes on Fuzzy Matching Data by Percentage

• Lookup_column processes only one column. If you select more than one, only the leftmost will be analysed.
• Leave two empty columns for results if you want both the match and similarity or row number, otherwise your data may be overwritten.
• For word-level matching, correct spelling errors before running this function for best results. Head to Tools > Spelling > Spell check in the spreadsheet menu.

Fuzzy Match by Sound Similarity

1. Open the sidebar
   Navigate to Extensions > Flookup Data Wrangler > Fuzzy match and merge > By sound in your spreadsheet menu.
2. Select the mode to run
   
   • Return best match only: Returns the best match for every lookup value.
   • Return best match and row number: Returns the best match and the row in which it is located.
3. Select the range containing the lookup value
   Highlight a single column of data and click Grab selected range to read it into the Primary range.
4. Select the range where the lookup is potentially located
   Highlight a separate range of one or more columns and click Grab selected range to read it into the Secondary range.
5. Specify the lookup column
   Enter the index of the column in the Secondary range to compare with values in the Primary range.
6. Specify the return column
   Enter the index of the column in the Secondary range from which you want values to be returned.
7. Specify output location
   Click an empty cell within the spreadsheet to mark the position where the results should be displayed.
8. Get fuzzy matches
   Click the Get fuzzy matches button to finish.

For the Visual Learners

Labels might differ slightly but the steps remain the same.

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