How to compare columns in Microsoft Excel As stated, we can use the Excel VLOOKUP function to find and match different data or find differences in two columns.

The VLOOKUP function is one of the most useful when pulling information from an Excel database. Here's how it works and how you can start using it in your work.

Microsoft Excel comes with a lot of built-in functionality that doesn't restrict you to comparing data in two columns using only one method.

Whether you're comparing a single list or several, Excel's conditional formatting can get the job done. Comparing lists for common values, or duplicates is a task that often has many variables.