compare two columns in excel conditional formatting

#Compare two columns in excel conditional formatting how to

The col_index_num is 1, which returns the value in the first column relative to the table_array if the value in column B is found in column C. Our lookup_value is the value in column B (B3), while our table_array is the set of values in column C, $C$3:$C$9. Step 3 : Copy the formula in cell D3 to cells D4:D9 by clicking the “+” icon at the bottom-right corner of cell D3 and dragging it down Enter the formula in cell D3: =VLOOKUP(B3,$C$3:$C$9,1,FALSE)

In order to determine if a value in the first column (List 1) exists in another column (List 2) and return the value itself, we follow these steps: if FALSE, VLOOKUP will only find an exact match.if TRUE or omitted, VLOOKUP returns either an exact or approximate match.– optional value can either be TRUE or FALSE.col_index_num – the column number in the table_array corresponding to the information we want to retrieve, relative to the lookup_value.table_array – the range of cells containing the data we want to find or retrieve.lookup_value – the value that we want to find in the table_array.= VLOOKUP ( lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, ) When comparing lists, the exact match is most commonly used. There are two match types: approximate match or exact match. VLOOKUP is used when we want to look up a value in one column and determine if it exists in another column. Sample data to compare two columns in Excel Compare two columns in Excel using VLOOKUP The results of comparison will be recorded in column D.įigure 2. We want to compare the product codes in the two columns B and C. Our data consists of three columns: List 1 (column B), List 2 (column C) and Comparison (column D). Final result: Compare two columns in Excel Data to compare two columns in Excel This step by step tutorial will assist all levels of Excel users in comparing two columns in Excel or Google sheets.įigure 1.

#Compare two columns in excel conditional formatting how to

How to Compare Two Columns in Google Sheets and ExcelĮxcel provides us with different methods to compare two columns and find unique or duplicate values with the use of the VLOOKUP, MATCH, INDEX, IF, COUNTIF or Conditional Formatting functions.