A technique of logically processing bit maps and character maps describing the attributes and values of computer variable ranges and a variable being tested to determine if a match exists between the variable and one or more ranges. Bit maps define the attributes of each character position of variables and ranges; character maps define which character positions are constrained to a fixed character for each of the ranges. This quick and efficient method of logical processing of maps replaces the known method of examining each character position of a variable individually.