How do I compare 2 sets of data and separate out only what does now appear in both lists

Hi Rental,

Thanks for contacting us,

Yes, you can use Excel to compare two lists and identify what is unique in each list. Here are the steps:

Method 1: Using Formulas

1. **Combine the Lists:**
   • Suppose your old inventory is in column A (A2:A100) and the current inventory is in column B (B2:B100).
   • In column C, combine both lists using the following formula in cell C2 and drag it down:

     =IFERROR(IF(MATCH(B2, $A$2:$A$100, 0), ""), B2)
     ```

This formula checks if the item in the current inventory list (column B) is found in the old inventory list (column A). If not, it returns the item; otherwise, it returns an empty string.

2. \*\*Filter the Unique Entries:\*\*
   - Filter column C to show only the non-empty cells. These are the items that are unique to the current inventory list.

3. \*\*Repeat the Process:\*\*
   - Repeat the process in column D but comparing the old inventory list to the current inventory list. Use a similar formula:

```excel
     =IFERROR(IF(MATCH(A2, $B$2:$B$100, 0), ""), A2)
     ```

Filter column D to show only the non-empty cells. These are the items that were present in the old inventory list but are not in the current one.

Method 2: Using Conditional Formatting

1. \*\*Highlight Differences:\*\*
   - Select the old inventory list (column A) and then the current inventory list (column B).
   - Go to the "Home" tab, click on "Conditional Formatting," and choose "Highlight Cells Rules" -> "Duplicate Values."
   - This will highlight the items that appear in both lists.

2. \*\*Filter Unique Entries:\*\*
   - Use the "Filter" option to filter out the highlighted cells in both columns. The remaining items in column A are those unique to the old inventory list, and the remaining items in column B are those unique to the current inventory list.

Choose the method that suits you best based on your preferences and requirements.

I hope this helps!

Regards,
Sola