Got two columns in Excel and need to find out what's different? Stop squinting and start comparing like a spreadsheet ninja! Excel offers several methods, each with its strengths.
**Simple Highlighting:** The quickest win? Use conditional formatting! Select your data range, go to 'Conditional Formatting' -> 'Highlight Cells Rules' -> 'Duplicate Values'. Choose 'Unique' from the dropdown, and boom! Differences are highlighted.
**The IF Function Powerhouse:** For a more precise approach, use the IF function. In a new column, enter a formula like `=IF(A1=B1,"Match","Mismatch")`. This returns "Match" if cells in columns A and B are identical, and "Mismatch" if they're not. Drag the formula down to apply it to all rows.
**Power Query for Advanced Comparisons:** Need to compare multiple columns or entire tables? Power Query is your friend! Load your data into Power Query, merge the tables based on common columns, and then compare the relevant fields. It's more advanced, but incredibly powerful.
Choose the method that best suits your needs and data size. Happy comparing!
