Finding and highlighting differences should be a common task in Excel. Most of the time, it’s solved by formula or conditional formatting. Either way, we need to construct a simple formula like the one below to compare the cell contents in two lists.
= A1 = B1
In this post, I am going to show you a non-formula approach which is very handy, especially when we are dealing with a one-off task. What we need is just a few keystrokes, or mouse clicks.
Let’s watch it in action:
Prefer reading to watching? No problem. You may refer to the blogpost HERE or continue to read.
In short, the trick is using Go To:
- Select the two lists
- Ctrl+G to open Go To dialogue box
- Alt+S to select “Special”
- W to select “Row difference”
- OK
There we go. All cells that are different from the corresponding position in the other list will be selected. We can format those cells to highlight them. Or simply press Ctrl+B to make them BOLD.
Isn’t it magical? 😁
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎉
I appreciate all your support in the past! And looking forward to sharing more Excel magic in the future.
wmfexcel 