Different Methods to Match Data in Excel

There are various methods to match data in excel, if we want to match the data in the same column let’s say we want to check for duplicity we can use conditional formatting from the home tab or else if we want to match the data in two or more different columns we can use conditional functions like if function.

Method #1 – Using Vlookup Function
Method #2 – Using Index + Match Function
Method #3 – Create Your Own Lookup Value

Now let us discuss each of the methods in detail

You can download this Match Data Excel Template here – Match Data Excel Template

#1 – Match Data Using VLOOKUP Function

VLOOKUP is not only used to get the required information from the data table; rather, it can be used as a reconciliation tool as well. When it comes to reconciliation or matching the data VLOOKUP formula leads the table.

For example, look at the below table.
We have two data tables here, first one is Data 1 and the second one is Data 2.

Now we need to reconcile whether the data in the two tables are matching or not. The very first way of matching the data is the SUM function in excel to two tables to get the total sales.

Data 1 – Table

Data 2 – Table
I have applied the SUM function for both the table’s Sale Amount column. At the beginning step itself, we got the difference in values. Data 1 table showing the total sales of 2,16,214, and the Data 2 table showing the total sales of 2,10,214.

Now we need to examine this in detail. So, let’s apply the VLOOKUP function for each date.
Select the table array as Data 1 range.
We need the data from the second column, and the range of lookup is FALSE, i.e., Exact Match.
The Output is given below:
In the next cell, deduct the original value with arrive value.
After deducting, we get the result as zero.
Now copy and paste the formula to all the cells to get the variance values.
In cell G6 and G12, we got the differences.

In Data 1, we have 12104 for the Date 04-Mar-2019, and in Data 2, we have 15104 for the same date, so there is a difference of 3000.

Similarly, for the date 18-Mar-2019 in Data 1, we have 19351, and in Data 2, we have 10351, so the difference is 9000.

#2 – Match Data Using INDEX + MATCH Function

For the same data, we can use the INDEX + MATCH function. We can use this as an alternative to the VLOOKUP functionAlternative To The VLOOKUP Function To reference data in columns from right to left, we can combine the index and match functions, which is one of the best Excel alternatives to Vlookup.read more.

The INDEX function is used to get the value from the selected column based on the row number provided. To provide the row number, we need to use the MATCH functionUse The MATCH Function The MATCH function looks for a specific value and returns its relative position in a given range of cells. The output is the first position found for the given value. Being a lookup and reference function, it works for both an exact and approximate match. For example, if the range A11:A15 consists of the numbers 2, 9, 8, 14, 32, the formula “MATCH(8,A11:A15,0)” returns 3. This is because the number 8 is at the third position. read more based on the LOOKUP value.

Open INDEX functionOpen INDEX Function The INDEX function in Excel helps extract the value of a cell, which is within a specified array (range) and, at the intersection of the stated row and column numbers.read more in the F3 cell.

Select the array as a result column range, i.e., B2 to B14.

In order to get the row number, open MATCH function now as the next argument.

Select the lookup value as a D3 cell.

Next select lookup array as Sales Date column in Data 1.

In the match type, select “0 – Exact Match”.

Close two brackets and hit the enter key to get the result.

This also gives the same result as VLOOKUP only. Since we have used the same data, we got the numbers as it is

#3 – Create Your Own Lookup Value

Now we have seen how to match data using excel functions. Now we will see the different scenarios of real-time. For this example, look at the below data.

In the above data, we have Zone-Wise and Date-wise sales data, as shown above. We need to again do the data matching process. Let’s apply the VLOOKUP function as per the previous example.

We got many variances. Let’s examine each case by case.

In cell I5, we got the variance of 8300. Let’s look at the main table.

Even though the main table value is 12104, we got the value of 20404 from the VLOOKUP function. The reason for this is VLOOKUP can return the value of the first found lookup value.

In this case, our lookup value is a date, i.e., 20-Mar-2019. In the above cell for the North zone for the same date, we have a value of 20404, so VLOOKUP has returned this value for the East zone as well.

To overcome this issue, we need to create unique lookup values. Combine Zone, Date & Sales Amount in both Data 1 & Data 2.

Data 1 – Table