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PHP grapheme_strpos() Function: Usage and Examples

Learn grapheme_strpos in PHP with clear syntax, three code examples, important edge cases, common beginner mistakes, and related APIs.

1 views Published Oct 16, 2026 Updated Oct 16, 2026

When you need to find a case-sensitive grapheme substring position, it helps to understand both the normal result and what changes with different inputs. This guide focuses on practical examples rather than repeating PHP background material.

grapheme_strpos provides the behavior described below. A grapheme cluster is a user-perceived character, potentially consisting of more than one Unicode code point.

What Is grapheme_strpos in PHP?

Find a case-sensitive grapheme substring position. A grapheme cluster is a user-perceived character, potentially consisting of more than one Unicode code point.

Its syntax is:

grapheme_strpos(...)

Parameters and return value: Read the argument names and optional values in the signature above. Methods use an existing object, while stand-alone functions take direct arguments. The examples demonstrate the relevant arguments and the value returned or the object modified.

Important: The returned index is in grapheme clusters; compare against false strictly.

Example 1: Basic Usage

This first example demonstrates how to find a case-sensitive grapheme substring position with a small input.

<?php

var_dump(grapheme_strpos("café menu", "menu"));

The example uses the simplest useful form. A grapheme cluster is a user-perceived character, potentially consisting of more than one Unicode code point. The output may depend on the active ICU locale, PHP configuration, or input supplied to the function.

Example 2: Another Case

Here the input or option changes, making it easier to see where the behavior differs. The returned index is in grapheme clusters; compare against false strictly.

<?php

var_dump(grapheme_strpos("banana", "na", 3));

Compare the result to the first example. Use strlen() for bytes, mb_* for code points and grapheme_* for grapheme clusters.

Practical Example: Applying the Function

This standalone example shows how the same operation fits into a small application task. The intl extension is required for this example.

<?php

$document = "Open the résumé guide";
$position = grapheme_strpos($document, "guide");
var_dump($position);

The example keeps the operation visible and gives you a starting point for using it in an application. The returned index is in grapheme clusters; compare against false strictly.

Important Behavior and Edge Cases

  • Core behavior: A grapheme cluster is a user-perceived character, potentially consisting of more than one Unicode code point.
  • Return value: Check the result separately from changes to passed-in arrays, iterators, or object state.
  • Data constraints: The returned index is in grapheme clusters; compare against false strictly.
  • Environment: The intl extension is required for this example.

Comparison With Related Functions

Function or ApproachWhen to Use It
grapheme_strposFind a case-sensitive grapheme substring position.
Related PHP APIsUse strlen() for bytes, mb_* for code points and grapheme_* for grapheme clusters.

Common Beginner Mistakes

MistakeCorrect Approach
Assuming the function works on every kind of inputFollow the declared argument types and check the input format before calling it.
Ignoring the behavior of the resultThe returned index is in grapheme clusters; compare against false strictly.
Using the wrong related PHP APIUse strlen() for bytes, mb_* for code points and grapheme_* for grapheme clusters.

Key Takeaways

  • grapheme_strpos helps you find a case-sensitive grapheme substring position.
  • A grapheme cluster is a user-perceived character, potentially consisting of more than one Unicode code point.
  • The returned index is in grapheme clusters; compare against false strictly.
  • Use strlen() for bytes, mb_* for code points and grapheme_* for grapheme clusters.

grapheme_strpos is useful when you need to find a case-sensitive grapheme substring position. Start with the small examples, then adapt the practical example while respecting its input and environment requirements.

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