Compare the similarities and differences between two columns of data in excel

How to compare the similarities and differences between two columns of data in excel: 1. Use conditional formatting, select the first column of data to be compared, and use the "=COUNTIF($B:$B,A1)=0" formula to determine The cells to be formatted; 2. Use the VLOOKUP function and the formula "=IF(ISNA(VLOOKUP(A1,$B:$B,1,0)),"different","same")"; 3. Use the EXACT function, use the formula "=IF(EXACT(A1,B1),"Same","Different")", etc.

Excel is a powerful spreadsheet software, many of which can help us compare the similarities and differences between two columns of data. Whether you are comparing two columns of data for differences or finding the same values ​​in two columns of data, Excel provides a variety of methods to meet these needs. This article will introduce several commonly used methods.

Method 1: Use conditional formatting

Conditional formatting is a very useful function in Excel, which can format data according to certain conditions, including Colors, fonts, padding, etc. We can use conditional formatting to compare the similarities and differences between two columns of data.

1. First, select the first column of data to be compared.

2. In the "Home" tab of Excel, click the "Conditional Formatting" button, and then select "New Rule".

3. Select "Use formulas to determine which cells to format" in the drop-down menu.

4. Enter the following formula in "Format Value":

=COUNTIF($B:$B,A1)=0

This formula means, in The same value as the first column cannot be found in the second column.

5. Then, choose a format for this rule, such as fill color.

6. Click OK to apply the rule.

7. Finally, copy the conditional formatting of the first column to the second column to compare the similarities and differences of the data in the two columns.

Through the above steps, we can easily compare the similarities and differences between the two columns of data. If a value in the first column is not found in the second column, it will be formatted so that it is easier to identify.

Method 2: Use the VLOOKUP function

The VLOOKUP function is a powerful function in Excel used to find a value in a table or range.

1. First, enter the following formula in a blank cell:

=IF(ISNA(VLOOKUP(A1,$B:$B,1,0)),"different", "Same")

This formula means that if the same value as the first column is not found in the second column, then "different" is displayed, otherwise "same" is displayed.

2. Drag this formula to all cells in the first column to apply the formula to the entire first column.

Through the above steps, we can quickly determine the similarities and differences between the two columns of data and display the results in the first column.

Method 3: Use the EXACT function

The EXACT function is a function in Excel used to compare whether two text strings are equal.

1. First, enter the following formula in a blank cell:

=IF(EXACT(A1,B1),"Same","Different")

This The meaning of the formula is that if the value of the first column is exactly the same as the value of the second column, it displays "Same", otherwise it displays "Different".

2. Drag this formula to all cells in the first column to apply the formula to the entire first column.

Through the above steps, we can easily compare the similarities and differences between the two columns of data and display the results in the first column.

In Excel, we can use various methods such as conditional formatting function, VLOOKUP function and EXACT function to compare the similarities and differences between two columns of data. The methods introduced above are just a few of the common methods. Readers can choose the appropriate method according to actual needs. Through these methods, we can analyze and process large amounts of data more conveniently.

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