Undocumented, Unloved and Unused Excel Functions
Following on from Chandoo’s MLookup function published on 1st April 2011, I thought it might be worth documenting a few undocumented, no-longer documented and rarely used Excel functions.
Although some of the functions below aren’t documented they still work as of Excel 2010.
Users should be cautious with their use going forward as Microsoft may withdraw them from future versions of Excel.
But if you see them appear in older Excel models at least you’ll be the full bottle.
This post will look at the following functions:
- Datedif
- Roundup
- RoundDown
- Evaluate
- Convert
- Roman
- FactDouble
- Bahttext
Worked examples of all these functions are presented in the Example File which is compatible with all versions of Excel.
Datedif
The DATEDIF function computes the difference between two dates in a variety of different intervals, such number of years, months, or days.
This function is available in all versions of Excel since at least version 5/95, but is documented in the help file only for Excel 2000.
By the way, do not confuse the DATEDIF worksheet function with the VBA DateDiff function.
Use:
=DATEDIF(Start Date, End Date, Interval)
Where:
Start Date must be less than the End Date.
Interval is the interval type to return.
Interval value must be one of the following:
| Interval | Meaning | Description |
| m | Months | Complete calendar months between the dates. |
| d | Days | Number of days between the dates. |
| y | Years | Complete calendar years between the dates. |
| ym | Months Excluding Years | Complete calendar months between the dates as if they were of the same year. |
| yd | Days Excluding Years | Complete calendar days between the dates as if they were of the same year. |
| md | Days Excluding Years And Months | Complete calendar days between the dates as if they were of the same month and same year. |
If you are including the Interval string directly within the formula, you must enclose it in double quotes:
=DATEDIF(Date1,Date2,”m”)
Examples:
| Start Date | 13/01/1963 | ||
| End Date | 12/05/2011 | ||
| Years | =DATEDIF($B$5,$C$5,”Y”) | 48 | |
| Months | =DATEDIF($B$5,$C$5,”M”) | 579 | |
| Days | =DATEDIF($B$5,$C$5,”D”) | 17651 | |
| Months Exc. Years | =DATEDIF($B$5,$C$5,”ym”) | 3 | |
| Days Exc. Years | =DATEDIF($B$5,$C$5,”yd”) | 119 | |
| Days Exc. Years & Months | =DATEDIF($B$5,$C$5,”mD”) | 29 | |
| Start Date > End Date | =DATEDIF($D$5,$D$4,”Y”) | #NUM! | |
Use of the Datedif function on Chandoo.org:
Datedif has been used a number of times at Chandoo.org
http://chandoo.org/forums/topic/how-to-calculate-age-from-their-dob
http://chandoo.org/wp/2009/09/22/elapsed-time-excel/
http://chandoo.org/wp/2008/08/26/date-time-tips-ms-excel/
Disclaimer:
Although the Datedif function above isn’t documented it still works as of Excel 2010. Users should be cautious with their use going forward as Microsoft may withdraw support for them in future Excel versions.
ROUNDUP() and ROUNDDOWN()
The Roundup and Rounddown functions rounds a number up or down, away from zero and have pretty much been replaced by the Round function.
Use:
The Roundup function rounds a number up, away from zero.
=ROUNDUP(number, num_digits)
The Rounddown function rounds a number down, towards zero.
=ROUNDDOWN(number, num_digits)
Roundup() behaves similarly to the Round() function, except that it always rounds a number up based on the following rules:
- If num_digits is greater than 0, then number is rounded up to the specified number of decimal places.
- If num_digits is 0 or omitted, then number is rounded up to the nearest integer.
- If num_digits is less than 0, then number is rounded up to the left of the decimal point.
Examples:
ROUNDUP(4.1,0) equals 5
ROUNDUP(106.9,0) equals 107
ROUNDUP(3.14159, 3) equals 3.142
ROUNDUP(-3.14159, 1) equals -3.2
ROUNDUP(31415.926, -2) equals 31500
Rounddown() behaves similarly to the Round() function, except that it always rounds a number down based on the following rules:
- If num_digits is greater than 0, then number is rounded down to the specified number of decimal places.
- If num_digits is 0 or omitted, then number is rounded down to the nearest integer.
- If num_digits is less than 0, then number is rounded down to the left of the decimal point.
Examples:
ROUNDDOWN(4.1, 0) equals 4
ROUNDDOWN(106.9,0) equals 106
ROUNDDOWN(3.14159, 3) equals 3.141
ROUNDDOWN(-3.14159, 1) equals -3.1
ROUNDDOWN(31415.92654, -2) equals 31400
Use on the Roundup and Rounddown functions on Chandoo.org:
The Roundup and Rounddown functions have been used several times at Chandoo.org
Roundup
http://chandoo.org/wp/2010/04/29/quarterly-totals-from-monthly-data/
http://chandoo.org/wp/2010/04/30/quarterly-totals-multi-year-data/
Rounddown
http://chandoo.org/wp/2010/04/30/quarterly-totals-multi-year-data/
http://chandoo.org/wp/2009/07/06/excel-formulas-round-sort/
Evaluate
Evaluate is an Excel ver 4.0 macro function which is still supported and functional in Excel 2010.
The Evaluate function allows for the evaluation of a text equation as an algebraic equation.
The evaluate function cannot be used as a spreadsheet function but can be used in Named Ranges.
It is probably best described by example; Evaluate 1, from the Example File.
Example:
Say you have a polynomial equation in a cell as Text A1: ‘=X2 + 5*Y – Z
Setup 3 named ranges, X, Y , Z with values X=10, Y=5 and Z=3
You can use Evaluate in a a Named Range eg: Result =Evaluate(SheetName!$A$1)
And then on a worksheet =Result, which will return the answer 122 = 102 + 5*5 – 3
Evaluate can be used to allow graphing of equations without use of worksheet functions or even worksheet ranges, an example of each is shown in the examples file as Evaluate 2 and Evaluate 3 .
Evaluate 2: Uses a Range as the X Values and a Named Range using the Evaluate function as the calculated Y Values
Evaluate 3: Uses Named Ranges as the X Values and as the calculated Y Values based on an Evaluate function
Use of the Evaluate function on Chandoo.org:
Not Used
Convert
Converts a number from one measurement system to another.
For example, CONVERT can translate a table of distances in Kilometres to a table of distances in Miles.
Convert includes 49 units spread amongst the following 10 categories
| Category | No Units |
| Weights & Mass, | 5 |
| Time | 5 |
| Force | 3 |
| Power | 2 |
| Temperature | 3 |
| Distance | 8 |
| Pressure | 3 |
| Energy | 9 |
| Magnetism | 2 |
| Liquid Measures | 9 |
Use:
=Convert(number, From Unit, To Unit)
A list of all the Conversion Units and Conversion Prefixes is included on the Conversion Factors tab of the Examples File.
Examples:
| Example | Result | Description (Result) |
| =CONVERT(5, “lbm”, “kg”) | 2.27 | Converts a 5 pound mass to kilograms (2.267) |
| =CONVERT(80, “F”, “C”) | 6.67 | Converts 80 degrees Fahrenheit to Celsius (26.6) |
| =CONVERT(1, “ft”, “kg”) | #N/A | Data types are not the same so an error is returned (#N/A) |
| ‘=CONVERT(CONVERT(100,”ft”,”m”),”ft”,”m”) | 9.29 | Converts 100 square feet into square meters (9.290304). |
A list of all the Conversion Units and Conversion Prefixes is included on the Conversion Factors tab of the Examples File.
Use of the Convert function on Chandoo.org
http://chandoo.org/forums/topic/convert-function
Roman
The Roman function converts a number to Roman format.
Use:
=ROMAN(number, form)
=ROMAN(45 ) = XLV
Form is a number specifying the type of roman numeral you want. The roman numeral style ranges from Classic to Simplified, becoming more concise as the value of form increases.
| Form | Type |
| 0 or omitted | Classic. |
| 1 | More concise. See example below. |
| 2 | More concise. See example below. |
| 3 | More concise. See example below. |
| 4 | Simplified. |
| TRUE | Classic. |
| FALSE | Simplified. |
Example:
| Example | Formula | Description (Result) | |
| =ROMAN(2011) | MMXI | Converts 2011 to Roman (MMXI) | |
| =ROMAN(499,0) | Classic or Omited | CDXCIX | Converts 499 to Roman (CDXCIX) |
| =ROMAN(499, True) | Classic | CDXCIX | Converts 499 to Roman (CDXCIX) |
| =ROMAN(499,1) | More Concise | LDVLIV | Converts 499 to Roman (LDVLIV) |
| =ROMAN(499,2) | More Concise | XDIX | Converts 499 to Roman (XDIX) |
| =ROMAN(499,3) | More Concise | VDIV | Converts 499 to Roman (VDIV) |
| =ROMAN(499,4) | Simplified | ID | Converts 499 to Roman (ID) |
| =ROMAN(499, False) | Simplified | ID | Converts 499 to Roman (ID) |
Use of the Roman function on Chandoo.org:
Nil
Factdouble
Factdouble returns the double factorial of a number and is expressed in mathematics as n!!
Double factorials are used in probability theory and other higher levels of mathematics and is really just a way to simplify an otherwise complex expression
If the number is Even Factdouble = n(n-2)(n-4)…(4)(2)
If the number is Odd Factdouble = n(n-2)(n-4)…(3)(1)
So it is simpler to write 10!! than 10x8x6x4x2
Use:
=Factdouble( number )
Example:
| Example | Result | Description (Result) |
| =Factdouble(8) | 384 | Factdouble of 8 = 8x6x4x2 = 384 |
| =Factdouble(9) | 945 | Factdouble of 9 = 9x7x5x3x1 = 945 |
Use of the Factdouble function on Chandoo.org
Not used
Bahttext
Converts a number to Thai Text represention of the number
Use:
=Battext( Number)
Example:
=Bahttext(250) , Returns 
Use of the Bahttext function on Chandoo.org:
Not used
Examples
An example file with worked examples from all the above functions is available from the following link; Example File
The file is compatible with all Excel versions.
What Functions Have You Discovered?
What Functions Have You Stumbled Onto?
Let us know in the comments below:
15 Responses to “Compare 2 Lists Visually and Highlight Matches”
Hi,
I solved this in a little different way.
We have 2 lists, one starts at A1 and other at B1, both are vertical arrays.
First thing is define 2 named ranges, list1 and list2:
list1 refers to "=OFFSET(Sheet1!$A$1;0;0;SUMPRODUCT(--(Sheet1!$A$1:$A$1000""));1)"
list2 refers to "=OFFSET(Sheet1!$A$1;0;0;SUMPRODUCT(--(Sheet1!$B$1:$B$1000""));1)"
this way lists will be dynamically sized when you had or remove elements (you can't have blanks and you can't have more than 1000 elements).
Then I use conditional formatting in column A when this formula is true:
"=NOT(ISERROR(MATCH(A1;list2;0)))"
and "=NOT(ISERROR(MATCH(B1;list1;0)))" to list2.
This way we eliminate the need for auxiliary columns or lists.
Hope you like my way! 😀
Nunes
Simple conditional formatting formula.
Assuming lists vertical lists starting in A1 & B1
To highlight just one column (assume B for example)
Conditional formatting>New Rule>by formula
=MATCH(B1,$A$1:$A$99,0)
Set the cell fill to what ever color you prefer & press OK
To highlight both columns repeat with this formula for cell in column A
=MATCH(A1,$B$1:$B$99,0)
This approach doesn't require named fields or addtl columns
glw
Say I had 1 list in A2:A20 and another in B2:B20.
To format all the items in column A that are repeated in column B I would use the following Conditional Formatting rule.
=IF(ISNA(VLOOKUP(A2,$B$2:$B$20,1,false)),true,false)
All the duplicates are highlighted. It us a very simple example of comparison.
I may be missing something here, but I usually highlight both my lists by holding ctrl eg A1:A20 E10:E40 then choose conditional formatting from the ribbon and then highlight duplicates, and this does it?
Lee, I was perplexed as well. I do the same thing you do with the conditional formating. A drag and click to highlight range and choose highlight duplicates does the trick for me.
I believe these methods are to check if an item from one list also appears in the other list. So if an item mentioned many times in one list if also mentioned in the other list or not.
The Conditional Formatting highlight duplicates feature will do this, but it will also highlight an item if it appears multiple times in the one column or list.
Hi, I would just like to know (if you are willing to share) which image editing program you use to make your image like above, like they are torn apart from bottom? I've been looking for long.
@i48998
Chandoo is on Holidays, but Chandoo uses Paint.Net
Paint.net is a free download available at http://www.paint.net/
.
I use CorelDraw/PhotoPaint
.
We both use the Snipping Tool (a freebe with Win Vista/10)
.
We both use Camtasia for doing screen captures to make animated GIFs where you see animation.
Here is how I would accomplish
(1) Define Names: List_1, List_2
(2) =ISNA(MATCH(D4,List_2,0))-1 (Conditional Format formula List_1)
(3) =ISNA(MATCH(D4,List_1,0))-1 (Conditional Format formula List_2)
ISNA will return 1 if NO Match and O if Match by adding a -1 will make: NO Match 0 and Match a -1 which is True
Hi all
this my first Post here
i think we can take Unique List for tow list to know what is not Duplicate By this Array formula
=IFERROR(INDEX($D$6:$D$33,SMALL(IF(ISERROR(MATCH($D$6:$D$33,$B$6:$B$33,0)),ROW($D$6:$D$33)-ROW($D$6)+1),ROWS($J$5:J5))),"")
and this one for Duplicate Value
=IFERROR(INDEX($D$6:$D$33,SMALL(IF(ISNUMBER(MATCH($D$6:$D$33,$B$6:$B$33,0)),ROW($D$6:$D$33)-ROW($D$6)+1),ROWS($J$5:J5))),"")
Don't forget to Enter This Formula by Pressing Ctrl+Shift+Enter
without wanting to ruthlessly self promote here, I do have an addin that does neatly compare two ranges, not just in columns, so you might want to check that out.
Having said that this is a pretty neat solution if you dont want to be going down the VBA or purchase route. I like it
however, could you not do something with the remove duplicates feature in Excel 2010 and then compare the resulting data set?
Hi, Chandoo! I've found yesterday your Excel website... What can I say? It's just awesome, Excellent. Being a developer for 30 years, more than 15 with Office products, and wow!, how many things I discovered in a couple of hours, and what pretty resolved.
I decided to take the long path of the newbies and read all your examples and write down by myself all of them, and when I arrived to this (the comparison of two lists) I think I've found a problem:
a) in "Step 4: Apply conditional formatting to Second List - Use the same logic, but this time the rule becomes =COUNTIF(count1s,$H6)" it should say "Step 4: Apply conditional formatting to Second List - Use the same logic, but this time the rule becomes =COUNTIF(count1s,$H6)>0", but this is a typing error that I believe all of us here might have discovered and corrected
b) the very problem: I wrote down two different lists, in different ranges, and with different number of elements, I specified the equivalent conditional formats, et non voilá!, I didn't get what expected. So I downloaded your example book, I checked range names, formulaes, conditional formats and all OK. So I copied -just values- from my book to yours, and I still couldn't achieve the goal.
I'm using Excel 2010 in spanish, I'm from Buenos Aires (Argentina), and my book is at your disposition whenever you considerate it appropiate.
Thanks in advance for your time, and again my congratulations for your work here.
Best regards.
SirJB7
Comparison of 2 lists visually with highlights
Author: SirJB7 / Date: 11-Dic-2011
Pros: no duplicated tables, no matrix formulaes, no named ranges, no VBA code, just conditional formatting
Cons: not found yet, comments and observations welcome
Features:
a) standard problem: highlights in orange/yellow elements existing in the other list
b) optimized problem: idem a) plus highlights in red/violet first occurrence of elements existing in the other list
Sheet contents:
a) conditional format, 1 rule per list (2 methods used)
A1:A20, first list
B1:B20, second list
a1) range A1:A20, condition =NO(ESERROR(BUSCARV(A1;B$1:B$20;1;FALSO))), format Orange ---> in english: =NOT(ISERROR(VLOOKUP(A1,B$1:B$20,1,FALSE)))
a2) range B1:B20, condition =CONTAR.SI(A$1:A$20;B1)>0, format Yellow ---> in english: =COUNTIF(A$1:A$20,B1)>0
b) conditional format, 2 rules per list (2 methods used)
D1:D20, first list
E1:E20, second list
b1) range E1:E20, condition 1 =Y(NO(ESERROR(BUSCARV(D1;E$1:E$20;1;FALSO)));COINCIDIR(D1;D$1:D$20;0)=FILA(D1)), format Red ---> in english: =AND(NOT(ISERROR(VLOOKUP(D1,E$1:E$20,1,FALSE))),MATCH(D1,D$1:D$20,0)=ROW(D1))
same range, condition 2 and format 2, same as a1)
b2) range E1:E20, condition =Y(CONTAR.SI(D$1:D$20;E1)>0;COINCIDIR(E1;E$1:E$20;0)=FILA(E1)), format Violet ---> in english: =AND(COUNTIF(D$1:D$20,E1)>0,MATCH(E1,E$1:E$20,0)=ROW(E1))
same range, condition 2 and format 2, same as a2)
Personally I like the a2) and b2) solutions, I think the formulaes are prettier.
I still don't know the rules of this website and forum, but it any precept is infringed I'm willing to share the workbook with the solution. If it breaks a rule, I apologize and promise that won't happen again.
Best regards for all!
Dear All i have a complicated situation...
1. I have two sheets of data Sheet1 and Sheet2 (from various sources) - Both of these contain data matching and Not matching as well..
2. Now for me i need to build an excel where in i need to get sheet 3 with values that are present in a column of Sheet 1.
What ever Sheet 1 doesn't have i dont want those rows from sheet 2 to be populated into Sheet3.
Can any one help me out.
Hi Team
The above example is to compare partial name from 2 different columns.
If I want to cross check it in a single column. I have both correct and partial correct/match entries in a column. Is there any way I can find both the entries in the column.
Regards