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.

Microsoft Excel is perhaps the most powerful spreadsheet application you can buy. But it also has some simple functions, like finding duplicates in data.

If you want duplicate values to stand out in an Excel spreadsheet, you can choose between two conditional formatting rules.

How can we find duplicate values across multiple columns? For this task, we’ll use two Excel helper formulas: One to concatenate the columns you’re comparing; a second to count the duplicates.

By using the Highlight Cells Rules, you can highlight duplicate cells in your Excel worksheet to avoid confusion and mistakes.