comparing 2 columns on MS excel?

Question

how do i compare 2 columns on microsoft excel
i want to check if both columns have the same value.
if they dont' , i want MS excel to highlight the value in red
i have about 500 cells per column
how do i do this/?? conditional sort?

Answer 1

In addition to above answer u can set the conditional formatting for the third colomn to be highlighted with any color if the the value is XXXX.
1- Select the third colomn
2- Go through Format menu - conditional formatting
3- choose [cell value is] - [equal] - XXXX
4- click format button, from patterns tab choose the color u wish then OK
Good Luck

Answer 2

I used to do this a lot (previous job). I just setup a 3rd column and inserted the formula =IF(C4=D4,"","XXXX"). Where C4 is the top cell in col 1 and D4 is the top cell in col 2. Then I just replicated the formula down the 3rd column until I hit the end of my comparison columns. Anywhere is the 3rd column that had an XXXX will indicate that different values were compared. (This works for text as well as numbers.)

To change the color of the data in the different columns, you will need to venture into the world of macros / VBA. I found it much quicker to do the simple 3rd column.

Hope this helps

Answer 3

i dont think you need the 3rd column.
ytou can just use conditional formatting in the 2nd column

lets say you ar eusing column A and B

-highlight column B
-click Format
-click conditional formatting
-1st box should say "cell value is"
-2nd box you choose ""not equal to"
-3rd box type =A1
-click Format
-click patterns
-choose your Red color
-click ok and ok again
-now anything thats not the same will be highlighted.