duplicate numbers help please

**happydaize** · 08-05-2009, 02:27 PM

I have two columns with item code numbers in them

if any numbers from column 1 are duplicated in column 2, i want them to be highlighted automatically, maybe with a coloured cell or something?

can this be done and if so how?

thank you very much

danielle

**Palmetto** · 08-05-2009, 02:42 PM

Use Conditional Formatting to count the cells in column-2 which contain the same value as column-1.

Adjust the range references as needed.
To apply the CF:
Make the first data cell in column-A the active cell, then drag down to select all cells in the column. Use the Formula option of CF and use this formula.

Note: row-1 is asumed to be a header row.

=COUNTIF($B$2:$B$14,A2)>=1

**happydaize** · 08-05-2009, 03:08 PM

sorry to be a pain, please can you give me step by step instructions on how to do a conditional formatting? im blonde! lol

**JBeaucaire** · 08-05-2009, 03:28 PM

Press F1 in Excel and lookup Conditional Formatting, complete tutorials included in your program.

**Palmetto** · 08-05-2009, 03:34 PM

Excel -- Conditional Formatting -- Introduction

**happydaize** · 08-05-2009, 03:40 PM

yer i did but still cant do it

**happydaize** · 08-05-2009, 03:47 PM

just not getting how to do it. please see attached :0x

**JBeaucaire** · 08-05-2009, 04:10 PM

Highlight A1:A2707
Click Format > Conditional Formatting
Click Condition1: Formula Is: =COUNTIF(B:B,$A1)>0
Click Format... > Patterns tab > Yellow color
Click OK > OK

**happydaize** · 08-08-2009, 10:45 AM

yes yes yes, thanks u so much, i still got it wrong at 1st, dint realise i had to use the drop down for "formular is"!
thanks so much again!
xx

**JBeaucaire** · 08-08-2009, 11:10 AM

If that takes care of your need, be sure to EDIT your original post, click Go Advanced and mark the PREFIX box [SOLVED].

(Also, use the blue "scales" icon in our posts to leave Reputation Feedback, it is appreciated)