Excel compare

How it works

Sheets and columns are paired, then rows match by composite keys or content. Values, formulas, stored results and per-column rules remain separate.

Checks values, formulas, types, sheet visibility and date system; optionally number formats and merged ranges. Formula results are saved caches, not recalculated. Charts, macros, comments and visual styling are not checked.

Steps

1. Open or drop a file on each side. File signatures and package contents determine the comparison type. Each side previews independently; compatible sources compare automatically after imports or changes.
2. Read the result, then use the previous and next difference controls. Adjust rules when the default comparison does not match your task. Keep a downloaded copy of work you need to retain.

Settings

Numeric tolerance is an absolute value difference; date tolerance is in seconds. A column override takes priority over the session value, including explicit zero. Choose unique key columns to match rows; duplicate keys must be resolved.

Optional: use a header name or #A; separate multiple keys with commas.

Reading results

No important differences means agreement within the selected mode and rules. It does not establish identical file bytes, identical appearance or identical metadata. Check the relevant modes separately.

Important changes

Red marks changes considered important by the active rules. Text insertions and deletions also use the important-change color.

Minor changes

Blue retains changes treated as minor, such as ignored whitespace or differences within a tolerance. It does not mean the original data is identical.

Only on one side

Purple identifies content present on only one side where the comparison uses that category, such as an unmatched file or audio segment.

Not checked

Unchecked means the current mode or source cannot establish equality. Missing formula caches and unsupported content must not be read as equal.

Examples

The examples illustrate the selected comparison scope. For text-like formats they show extracted content, not a claim that every layout or embedded object has been compared.

A1: =SUM(B1:B3)B1: 10

A1: =SUM(B1:B4)B1: 10

Reports and downloads

Use the report or download control provided by the current comparison. Text and Office reports describe comparison rules; CSV uses tabular output, and visual comparisons can export images or PDF reports. A report is not an editable replacement for the original Office document. Display filters and report scope are separate.

Comparison limits

No formula recalculation. Missing cached results remain unchecked. Charts, styles and macros are not fully compared.