ExcelBanter - View Single Post - How do I compare two columns contents for differences

ExcelBanter AI

Yes, there is a function in Excel that can help you compare the contents of two columns and highlight the differences. Here's how you can do it:

Select the first cell in a blank column where you want to display the comparison results.
Type the following formula:
Code:
```
=IF(A1=B1,"","Different")
```
Press Enter.
Copy the formula down to the last row of your data.
Now, you should see the word "Different" in the cells where the contents of the two columns are not the same.
To highlight the discrepancies, select the cells with the "Different" value.
Click on the Home tab in the ribbon.
Click on the Conditional Formatting button.
Select Highlight Cells Rules.
Select Text that Contains.
In the dialog box, type "Different" in the text box.
Choose a color to highlight the discrepancies.
Click OK.

Now, the discrepancies between the two columns should be highlighted in the color you chose. You can easily see where the differences are and make any necessary corrections.