Here, we discuss comparing two columns and finding matches in Excel using VLOOKUP and wildcard characters, along with examples and a downloadable Excel template. This article is a guide to Compare Two Columns in Excel using Vlookup. VLOOKUP does not necessarily require all the cell values to be neatly sorted and organized alphabetically.Wildcard character asterisk can match any number of characters if the same string of words is available with a table array.When we use a reference cell or value to search in a group of columns containing data to be matched and retrieve the output in the VLOOKUP table array or vertical lookup, the range we use is called VLOOKUP table array. VLOOKUP can match if only the LOOKUP is the same as the table array.So, unless we are sure about the data, please do not use it and rely on it. Note: This wildcard method is not recommended because it can go wrong.Similarly, in cell C7, we have the company name “Mind Tree,” but in “List A” (A6 cell), we have the full company name as “Mind Tree Software Co,” so there are extra characters in “List A.” Since we have provided wildcard character, it has matched the remaining portion of a word and returned the full result.It says “CCD,” and in cell A5, we have the full company name as “Coffeeday Global Ltd (CCD).” Because in the table array, we have the word “CCD,” a wildcard that matches this short form company name word with the full company name in “List B.” For example, look at the value in C3 cell. This wildcard matches any number of characters for the provided value. It is mainly because of the wildcard character asterisk (*).You must be wondering how this is possible?.Now, look at the results in the previous example, we got errors in rows 2 and 7, but we have got a result this time. So, wherever we have got #N/A, those values do not exist in the “List A” column. We are done with the formula, so we must close the bracket and press the “Enter” key to get the result.If the formula returns TRUE, then the two-column values are precisely the same if it returns FALSE, they are. Press the Enter key and drag the fill handle down to cell D8. Usually, if you want to compare two columns row by row for an exact match, you can use the following formula: B2C2. So, we must choose “FALSE” as the argument, or we can insert 0 as the argument value. Compare Cells in the Same Row to Get an Exact Match. We are looking for the range LOOKUP for an exact match.Since we have chosen only one column, our “Col Index Num” will be 1. Next is the “Col Index Num,” i.e., from the selected table array from which column we need the result.The table array will be “List A” cell values, so select the range of cells from A2 to A9 and make it an absolute cell reference.Our LOOKUP value will be the C2 cell value because we are comparing whether “List A” contains all the “List B” values or not, so choose the C2 cell reference.So, we must open the VLOOKUP function first. We can do this by using the VLOOKUP function. We need to match whether “List A” contains all the “List B” values or not.First, when the two column’s data is lined up like the below, we can use the VLOOKUP function to see whether column 1 includes column 2.In Excel 2007 and later versions of Excel, select the Developer tab, and then select Macros in the Code group.The steps to compare two columns in Excel using VLOOKUP are as follows: ' Loop through each cell in the selection and compare it toĮnter the following data as an example (leave column B empty): ' or worksheet, use the following syntax. ' NOTE: If the compare range is located on another workbook ' Set CompareRange equal to the range to which you will Press ALT+F11 to start the Visual Basic editor.Įnter the following code in a module sheet:ĭim CompareRange As Variant, x As Variant, y As Variant To use a Visual Basic macro to compare the data in two columns, use the steps in the following example: However, they will not modify these examples to provide added functionality or construct procedures to meet your specific requirements. Microsoft support engineers can help explain the functionality of a particular procedure. When you have two columns of data and want to find out which data points from one list exist in the other list, you can use the VLOOKUP function to. This article assumes that you are familiar with the programming language that is being demonstrated and with the tools that are used to create and to debug procedures. Compare two columns to find differences (missing data) Identify matches and differences between two columns Compare 2 columns and return a value How to compare two columns in Excel using VLOOKUP. This includes, but is not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Warning: Microsoft provides programming examples for illustration only, without warranty either expressed or implied.
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