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.

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.

Excel provides built-in tools to help you to find discrepancies like Filters, Conditional Formatting, advanced functions (If and IS, VLookUp, etc.), and Add-ins.

Duplicates in the same column are easy to find by sorting, filtering, and using conditional formatting. When none of those are an option, try this simple formula solution.

How to compare Microsoft Excel columns with conditional formatting Use conditional formatting to highlight column and row differences with colors or other formatting options.

Microsoft's Excel software is one of the best tools for you to organize, analyze, and manipulate data. Here are three ways to compare data in two columns.