Comparison is one of the most common things we do with Excel. Naturally, there are so many ways to compare 2 lists of data using Excel. We have discussed various techniques for comparison earlier too,
- Compare 2 lists using conditional formatting
- Even faster way to compare lists
- Compare lists using row differences
Today, I want to share an interesting comparison problem with you.
Lets say you run a small shop which sells some highly specialized products. Now, since your products require quite some training before customers can buy them, you keep track of all product queries and arrange demos.
After a hectic week, you are staring at 2 lists. One with product queries, another with product demos.
And you have 2 burning questions,
1. Did we finish all the queries we had?
2. Should I go get some coffee?
Lets answer question number 2. Yes, you can get some coffee. Go, enjoy it now
Back already?!? Good. Now, lets answer the question 1.
Compare 2 Lists Visually using Conditional Formatting
[Note: this article is inspired by Reepal’s comment.]
You would like to highlight the lists as shown below, so that you would know whether each product query is fulfilled or not.
Step 1: Create 2 more lists, with count of products
In order to compare our lists, we need some help. We will create 2 more lists like this:
How do we generate these lists?
Assuming our original data is in B6:B33 and D6:D33,
- In a blank cell (lets say in F6), write =B6&COUNTIF(B$6:B6,B6)
- This gives the count of first product up to that point, ie, Fired Forks1.
- Now drag & fill the formula down until F33
- Do the same in column H, but use the formula =D6&COUNTIF(D$6:D6,D6)
- Fill this until H33
Step 2: Name these new lists
Now that we have created 2 more lists, lets give them names. Select the range F6:F33, go to Formula ribbon and click on “Define Name”. Name the range count1s
Do the same for range H6:H33 and name it count2s
Stpe 3: Apply Conditional Formatting to First List (Product Queries)
Now that we have done all the background work, lets visually compare the data. Select the first list (B6:B33) and go to Conditional Formatting > New Rule
We need to write a rule such that we would highlight all the items in list 1 whenever there is a match in list 2.
The rule is =COUNTIF(count2s,$F6)>0
It means, is the value in F6 present in 2nd list?
in other words, does the first product query has a corresponding product demo?
Set the formatting as you want. Click ok.
Step 4: Apply conditional formatting to Second List
Use the same logic, but this time the rule becomes =COUNTIF(count1s,$H6)
That is all, we have visually compared the two lists.
If you feel like, you can go back for one more cup of coffee.
Download Example Workbook
Click here to download the example workbook – Compare 2 lists visually and play with it. Examine the formulas in columns F & H. Also examine the conditional formatting rules to understand how this works.
How do you compare lists of data?
For me comparison is an everyday task. I rely in several techniques, some quick and dirty, others a bit more elaborate. For quick comparisons, I use either row differences or highlight duplicates rule. For elaborate comparisons, I use COUNTIF, VLOOKUP or other formula based techniques.
What about you? How do you compare lists of values? What techniques and tips you suggest. Please share using comments.
Want to learn Excel Formulas?
If you want to learn Excel formulas so that you can compare, analyze and present better, then please consider joining my Excel Formula Crash Course. This is an 8 hour online training program aimed to make you awesome in Excel formulas. We teach more than 40 every day formulas with loads of real-world examples, practice material & homework.
30 Responses to “Great News: Chandoo becomes MVP”
Congratulations! It's well deserved. 🙂
This is amazing. Hearty congratulations and a rocking new year ahead!!!
Congrats! I have learnt alot from your site... and the most important is learning how to achieve the most with the simplest concepts.
Thanks for the excel calendar. Is it possible to get a simple big fonted calendar printable on an A4 size paper without any distracive notes or visuals? BTW, I have already signed up for your newsletter. With warm regards and
Gratefully yours
50+ year old CHarish.
Hey Chandoo,
Great to hear that. Congratulations! The best new year gift, I would say. Keep it up, u've been doing extraordinary work for the excel users community.
Regards,
Pankaj Verma
Congrats dude... fantastic news!
congratulations! your site is great, this is well deserved
Rich
I recently found your site, I visit many. The tips that you provide are in the top 1% of all the sites I visit. Keep on Excelling.
Arnold
South Africa
Congratulations, Chandoo! That's a great way to start the year and make the PHD even better.
Congratulations, Chandoo.
Your site is one of most useful on the net. Happy new year and lot of ideas you will present for us.
Congrats.
Just read your name in an email from Abhishek. Well deserved.
Congratulations, and Happy New Year.
Greetings from Rio de Janeiro my friend! You trully deserve it!
Nive way to start 2009! Keep up the good work!
FC
That was quite forseeable , so you have now really got your PhD in excel.
Anyways Chandoo you have made excel a real Fun doo
I will like you to write some more on INDEX and MATCH function in near future.
@Hey Chandoo ! Congrates....
Ab to treat mangta hai !
Well deserved Chandoo!!
Congrat's!! Very well deserved 🙂
i always browsed mr.excel and used to see MVP writtne below names of people who used to solve queries in excel forum there......i just used to admire as to what they have special in them that they are MVP......
but now i got my answer...............u deserve it man..........
@All: thanks everyone 🙂
Congratulations Chandoo, nice job!
Chandoo,
A well deserved recognition and a good start to the New Year. Continue your good work.
Subbu
Many Congratulations.
You deserve a Ph.D. 🙂
congrats.....
Congrats dude. Rock on!
[...] charting community in 2007 and has been growing strongly ever since. In year 2009, I have received the MVP award from Microsoft. Just few days back I have become a dad [...]
Respected sir,
I am impressed!.... Good job done.. Keep it up...
Sir, How to be a MVP certified person. What level of knowledge is required for it? send me links if possible.
Please reply...
Regards,
Dipak Khalasi.
Dipak -
The first thing you need to cultivate is the ability to search the web effectively. You could start by Googling "Microsoft MVP".
[...] boy and girl which has been made hectic and incredibly fun ever since to their life.He has been awarded MVP status in 2009 by Microsoft(and renewed in 2010,2011 & 2012).His MVP profile is here.If you want to contact him direct then [...]
Congrats Chandoo!!
[…] Chandoo becomes MVP […]