Quick method of comparing two columns and highlight differences

**PRodgers4284** · 01-04-2010, 10:29 AM

I have two columns that i need to compare, each has over 900 entries, is there way i can compare the differences between the each column quickly?

**mikerickson** · 01-04-2010, 10:34 AM

Yes, but it depends on what kind of comparison you want.

Do you want to compare row by row if they are the same?
Or
do you want to see if everything in column A is also in column B
or
Do you want to find the members of column A who have exactly 2 entries in column B
or
?????

**PRodgers4284** · 01-04-2010, 10:54 AM

I want to highlight entries in both columns (if the entry occurs in both columns), if it doesn't leave it the same colour. I think i have it sorted though with a macro.

**mikerickson** · 01-04-2010, 11:03 AM

Try conditional formatting.
Select B1 and use the formula =ISNUMBER(MATCH(B1, $A:$A, 0)) and copy the formatting to the rest of the cells of column B. Repeat the process with an altered formula for column A

This will highlight cells that are in both columns.