<!--
{
  "availability" : [
    "iOS: 2.0.0 -",
    "iPadOS: 2.0.0 -",
    "macCatalyst: 13.0.0 -",
    "macOS: 10.0.0 -",
    "tvOS: 9.0.0 -",
    "visionOS: 1.0.0 -",
    "watchOS: 2.0.0 -"
  ],
  "documentType" : "symbol",
  "framework" : "Foundation",
  "identifier" : "/documentation/Foundation/NSRegularExpression/rangeOfFirstMatch(in:options:range:)",
  "metadataVersion" : "0.1.0",
  "role" : "Instance Method",
  "symbol" : {
    "kind" : "Instance Method",
    "modules" : [
      "Foundation"
    ],
    "preciseIdentifier" : "c:objc(cs)NSRegularExpression(im)rangeOfFirstMatchInString:options:range:"
  },
  "title" : "rangeOfFirstMatch(in:options:range:)"
}
-->

# rangeOfFirstMatch(in:options:range:)

Returns the range of the first match of the regular expression within the specified range of the string.

```
func rangeOfFirstMatch(in string: String, options: NSRegularExpression.MatchingOptions = [], range: NSRange) -> NSRange
```

## Parameters

`string`

The string to search.

`options`

The matching options to use. See [`NSRegularExpression.MatchingOptions`](/documentation/Foundation/NSRegularExpression/MatchingOptions) for possible values.

`range`

The range of the string to search.

## Return Value

The range of the first match. Returns `{NSNotFound, 0}` if no match is found.

## Discussion

This is a convenience method that calls [`enumerateMatches(in:options:range:using:)`](/documentation/Foundation/NSRegularExpression/enumerateMatches(in:options:range:using:)).

---

Copyright &copy; 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)