How to Compare Two Columns in Google Sheets Using the COUNTIF Function

In this video, we will show you how to compare two columns in Google Sheets.

We will be using formulas to find exact matches and duplicates within two columns of the Google Sheet. So for example, we have two columns with product codes here assigned to different employees. We want to identify if the same product is assigned to multiple employees and whether pricing for the both is the same or not. For that, we will be using two different methods, starting with the exact row by row match and checking both columns for any duplicate entries.

So let’s click on this cell here and input the formula. For the row by row comparison, we will simply enter the cell reference followed by the “equals two” sign and referencing the cell in the second column.

What this basically does is if both values in these two cells are the same, it would return True. Otherwise, it will return the value as false.

You can use the auto fill functionality to copy the same formula for all the remaining cells by clicking here.

Over here you can see that the same product code is appearing in two different columns, in the same rows and the value being returned is True.

Now let’s compare two columns and find out which values are repeating irrespective of which row they are in.

For that, we will use the “Count IF” function.

Let’s enter the “equals to” sign followed by Count If and brackets open. Now we will select the range. Since we will be copying the formula on other cells, make sure the cell reference is absolute by adding a dollar sign before the column and row coordinates.

Next, we will enter a comma followed by selecting the cell reference.

This function counts the number of times the value in this cell occurs in the selected cell range.

Let’s close the bracket. Now, If this count is more than 0, it means a duplicate value exists in the range. So let’s add “greater than sign” followed by Zero.

As long as the count is more than 0, the function returns a TRUE.

When the function returns a TRUE value, like in this cell over here, this means that the value is being duplicated in the range we had included in the formula.

That’s all!

❓? Would you like to know about any particular Google Sheets feature? Let us know in the comments below.

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