Using the EXACT function to compare two columns in Excel
Previously, we created a tutorial on how to compare two columns using the IF Function, you can view that tutorial HERE. The difference between both methods is that by using the EXACT Function, it will be able to distinguish between upper- and lowercase characters, while using the previous method cannot. Here is the syntax for using the EXACT Function:
EXACT(text1, text2)
text1: The first text string.
text2: The second text string.
Here is how we will use this method to compare two columns.
How To compare two columns using the EXACT Function:
- Create a new worksheet and fill columns A and B with values or text that you’d like to compare.
- Select cells C1:C10 and type the following formula: =EXACT(A1,B1).
- Press CTRL+Enter.
Differences in formatting as well as extraneous blank spaces in cells will not prevent the EXACT Function from making a match.