function to compare two columns in excel

The numbers returned are the ROW in column A where a match was found, while #N/A simply means there was no match found.īy wrapping this function in the ISNUMBER function, we can simplify this to only return TRUE (if a row number is found) or FALSE (error, no match). We’ll create a helper column in Column D and first use the MATCH function to return the ROW that a match exists on, if any.Įxcel searches for each of the values in column C inside of column A. We’re going to do a check to see which values in List 2 are in List 1. To highlight these differences, leave them selected, and click the paint bucket icon in the font menu and select the color you want to use.

Excel selects the difference between the two columns. Im trying to figure out how I can compare these two columns by marking column C with the number of times we find a value(s) from row a. In the Go To pop-up window, click Row differences, then click OK. Hey, I have an excel document with columns A and B. Let’s separate the two columns for a second and add some additional values to List #2: In the Ribbon, on the Home tab, go to Find & Select, then click Go To. If you need to check to see if certain values exist or not in the other list, I’d suggest using ISNUMBER and MATCH together to find your answers. As you can see this works for text, numbers, and dates the same way. If you’re looking to compare two lists for equality, you can use simple comparison operators.īy turning column C into a helper column, we can compare the lists in A and B by simply typingĪnd auto-filling that formula down the column. There are any duplicates or misspellings.You’re missing data from one of the lists.When analyzing data you often have to compare two lists to see if

Function to compare two columns in excel