Excel User Tips

Compare ranges by using an array formula

In Excel, you can compare the cells in two ranges with an array formula. For instance, to see if all of the values in A1:A100 are identical to those in B1:B100, type this array formula:

=SUM(IF(A1:A100=B1:B100,0,1))

Note: This is an array formula and it must be entered using Ctrl-Shift-Enter.

The formula will return the number of corresponding cells that are different. If the formula returns 0, it means that the two ranges are identical.