How to Compare Two Excel Columns in Different Sheets

Comparing data across multiple sheets in Excel is a common task. This article provides a step-by-step guide on How To Compare Two Excel Columns In Different Sheets using a nested IF formula. This method allows you to identify matching rows based on multiple criteria and copy corresponding data from one sheet to another.

Matching Data with Nested IF Formulas

When comparing two columns in separate Excel sheets, a simple formula can automate the process. Let’s say you have “Sheet1” and “Sheet2,” each containing dates in column A, times in column B, and additional data in column C. Your goal is to check if both the date and time in a row on Sheet1 match the date and time in the corresponding row on Sheet2. If they match, you want to copy the data from column C in Sheet2 to column C in Sheet1.

The solution lies in using a nested IF formula. This formula allows you to perform multiple checks sequentially. The syntax of an IF formula is: IF(logical_test, value_if_true, value_if_false).

In this case, the formula in cell C2 of Sheet1 would be:

=IF(A2=Sheet2!A2,IF(B2=Sheet2!B2,Sheet2!C2,"Time doesn't match"),"Date doesn't match")

Let’s break down this formula:

• IF(A2=Sheet2!A2,...: This is the first logical test. It checks if the date in cell A2 of Sheet1 is equal to the date in cell A2 of Sheet2.
• IF(B2=Sheet2!B2,Sheet2!C2,"Time doesn't match"): If the dates match, this second IF function is executed. It checks if the time in cell B2 of Sheet1 matches the time in cell B2 of Sheet2.
  • Sheet2!C2: If both date and time match, this part of the formula copies the value from cell C2 of Sheet2 to cell C2 of Sheet1.
  • "Time doesn't match": If the times don’t match, this text is displayed in cell C2 of Sheet1.
• "Date doesn't match": If the initial date comparison fails, this text is displayed in cell C2 of Sheet1.

This formula can be dragged down to apply the comparison to all subsequent rows. This automated approach significantly simplifies the process of comparing large datasets across different sheets in Excel. It ensures accuracy and saves time compared to manual comparison. By using nested IF statements, you can efficiently compare multiple criteria and extract relevant information based on the results. Remember that this comparison works on a row-by-row basis, comparing data in the same row number across the two sheets.