How to Compare Two Columns in Microsoft Excel
- George Apostolov
How to Compare Two Columns in Microsoft Excel: step-by-step guide
Inside your Microsoft Excel worksheet, find and select the two columns you wish to compare.
After that, select 'Conditional Formatting' from the available options under the Home tab.
Hover your mouse cursor over the 'Highlight Cell Rules' and then choose 'Duplicate Values'.
Following that, click the drop-down menu right below the 'Highlight Cells With' section and choose your preferred condition.
Go over the provided options for 'Format Style' and choose one that suits your liking.
Subsequently, tap 'Done' to proceed.
After completing these steps, the cells will be highlighted based on your input. You can use them as your guide while comparing the two selected columns.
Quick answer: To compare two columns in Microsoft Excel, select the two columns, choose Conditional Formatting under the Home tab, hover over Highlight Cell Rules, and select Duplicate Values. Next, choose your preferred condition, select a Format Style, tap Done, and use the highlighted cells as your guide.
About this Microsoft tutorial
Easily analyze data in Microsoft by highlighting matching cells and spotting differences between two columns using conditional formatting rules. This guide shows how to compare Two Columns in Microsoft Excel in 7 steps, starting with "Inside your Microsoft Excel worksheet, find and select the two columns you wish to compare" and finishing with "After completing these steps, the cells will be highlighted based on your input. You ca...". The interactive demo above is a click-through copy of the real Microsoft interface, so you can rehearse each step before doing it in your own account.
Frequently asked questions
How many steps does it take to compare Two Columns in Microsoft Excel?
7 steps. Each one is listed in order above, and the demo highlights exactly where to click.
Can I try it without changing my own account?
Yes. Clicking through the demo doesn't touch your Microsoft data or settings. Once you know the flow, repeat it in your own workspace.
This tutorial is filed under Microsoft and Excel. Related guides: How to Connect a Microsoft Form to an Existing Excel File, How to Connect Microsoft 365 Form Responses to a SharePoint List and How to Connect Microsoft 365 Forms to a SharePoint List. Last reviewed 05 Oct 2026.
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