How to Compare Two Columns in Excel? (4 Quick and Easy Ways)

How to Compare Two Columns in Excel? (Top 4 Methods)

Here we discuss the top 4 methods that are used to compare two columns in Excel –

Method #1 – Compare Using Simple Formulae
Method #2 – Compare Using IF Formula
Method #3 – Compare using EXACT Formula
Method #4 – Using Conditional Formatting

Let us now discuss each of the above methods in-depth with Examples

You can download this Compare Two Columns Excel Template here – Compare Two Columns Excel Template

#1 Compare Two Columns Data by Using Simple Formulae

We can compare 2 columns in excel by using one of the simple formulae. Assume you have two columns of data. The first column contains Log in Time and the second column contains Log out Time.

From the above data, we need to compare who forgot to log out from their shift. If the Log in Time is equal to Log out Time then we can consider them as forgot to log out.

We can use a simple formula to do this task.

Step 1: Select the cell D2, then Open the equal sign and select the first cell as B2.

Step 2: Now again enter the equal sign after B2 and select the cell C2.

Step 3: Once you hit enter it will show either TRUE or FALSE. If the value in the cell B2 is equal to the value in the cell C2 it will show as TRUE or else it will show as FALSE.

Step 4: Drag and drop the formula to the remaining cells to get the results.

In the cells D5 and D9 we got the result as TRUE that means the value in the cell B5 is equal to C5.

#2 Compare Two Columns Data Using Excel IF Formula

In the previous example, we got the results as TRUE or FALSE. But we need the results as Forgot to Punchout if the employee forgot to log out. We need the results as No Problem if the employee logs out.

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We can get the result as per our wish by using IF function in excel.

Okay, now we got the results as we wanted. Let me break down the formula to understand it better.

=IF (B2=C2,”Forgot to Punch Out”, “No Problem”)

If condition tests whether the value in the cell B2 is equal to the value in the cell C2 if the result is TRUE it will return the result as “Forgot to Punch-Out” and the result is FALSE it will return the result as “No Problem”.

#3 Compare Two Columns with Excel EXACT Formula

Take the same data for this example as well. I am going to apply an EXACT formula in excel to find the differences.

This formula also returns TRUE or FALSE as the result.

Note: The EXACT formula is case sensitive. Look at the below formula I have applied for text values.

In cell C2, we got the result as FALSE even though the value in the cell A2 and B2 are the same. Since there is an upper case value in the cell B2 it will show the result as FALSE.

In cell C3, we got the result as TRUE. Here the values in the cells A3 and B3 both are in the same case.

#4 Compare Two Columns in Excel Using Conditional Formatting

In the previous examples, we have learned how to compare 2 columns in Excel and identify the same values.

In this example, I am going to explain to you how to highlight or compare 2 excel columns if there is duplicate data using Conditional Formatting

Take the same data from the above examples.

Step 1: Select the entire data and go to the Home tab > Conditional Formatting > New Rule.

Step 2: Once you click on New Rule it will open the below dialogue box. Select Use a formula to determine which cells to format.

Step 3: Apply the below formula is the formula section.

Step 4: Once the formula is applied click on Format > Go to Format. Select the color that you want to highlight and click on OK.

Step 5: It highlights the same matched values.

Okay, in this way we can compare 2 columns in excel and find the deviations.

Things to Remember

There are several ways to compare 2 columns in excel. It depends on the data structure to apply which method is suitable.
Try to identify the differences using the IF condition. This would give the result as per our requirement.
If you are using the EXACT formula you must keep in mind that it is a case-sensitive formula and highlight it as different if the data in the two cells are case sensitive.
Method 1 is the easiest way to compare 2 column values in excel.