[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
One of the most common scenarios when working with Excel spreadsheets is having files with similar or duplicate data. The reasons for this could be many, but it usually involves spending a considerable amount of time checking complete files or separate worksheets manually.<\/p>\n
This article will explain how to compare two or multiple Excel files, as well as two Excel sheets, for differences. To achieve this, we will describe how to use three useful methods to spot differences in a quick and easy way; these include side-by-side viewing, conditional formatting rules, and the =IF formula<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”how-to-compare-two-excel-files-using-sid” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n We will start by illustrating how to compare two Excel workbooks using the side-by-side view. However, we recommend using this method only if your dataset is not too large; otherwise, use one of the two methods outlined further on in this article. This is how you can compare two Excel files using the side-by-side viewing feature.<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> Open the two Excel workbooks you would like to compare and go to View > View Side by Side on any of the opened files.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/compare-excel-files-view-side-by-side.webp” alt=”Compare Excel files \u2014 View tab with View Side by Side selected over the Student List workbook” title_text=”View tab with View Side by Side selected over the Student List workbook” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> By default, Excel will place both files horizontally, as shown below.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/compare-excel-files-horizontal-view.webp” alt=”Compare Excel files \u2014 two Student List workbooks stacked one above the other” title_text=”Two Student List workbooks stacked one above the other” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 3.<\/strong> To arrange them vertically, click \u201cArrange All\u201d, and then select \u201cVertical\u201d.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/compare-excel-files-arrange-vertically.webp” alt=”Compare Excel files \u2014 Arrange Windows dialog with the Vertical option selected” title_text=”Arrange Windows dialog with the Vertical option selected” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 4.<\/strong> The two Excel files will now be arranged vertically, as shown below.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/compare-excel-files-vertical-view.webp” alt=”Compare Excel files \u2014 two Student List workbooks arranged next to each other” title_text=”Two Student List workbooks arranged next to each other” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 5.<\/strong> Make sure that the \u201cSynchronous Scrolling\u201d option is activated since this will allow you to scroll through the data on both files simultaneously and allow you to compare more easily. Although it activates automatically as soon as you enable the side-by-side view, you can also check that it\u2019s activated in your toolbar within the \u201cWindow\u201d group.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/compare-excel-files-synchronous-scrolling.webp” alt=”Compare Excel files \u2014 Synchronous Scrolling turned on in the View tab Window group” title_text=”Synchronous Scrolling turned on in the View tab Window group” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Now that we know how easy it is to compare two Excel files, let\u2019s see how we can apply this viewing method to Excel sheets.<\/p>\n Sometimes, similar or duplicate data may appear within the same spreadsheet. If you want to avoid having to switch from one sheet to another to compare the data, this is how you can quickly compare two Excel sheets side by side.<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> Open the Excel file where you would like to compare sheets. Then, go to View > New Window.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/compare-excel-sheets-view-new-window.webp” alt=”Compare Excel sheets \u2014 View tab with New Window in the Window group” title_text=”View tab with New Window in the Window group” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> You will now have the same Excel file open up in a different window, as shown below.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/compare-excel-sheets-same-file-new-window.webp” alt=”Compare Excel sheets \u2014 the same Student List April workbook open in two windows” title_text=”The same Student List April workbook open in two windows” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 3.<\/strong> Select \u201cView Side by Side\u201d and make sure to select a different sheet on each file. As before, you can select vertical or horizontal viewing according to your preference.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/compare-excel-sheets-sheet1-and-sheet2.webp” alt=”Compare Excel sheets \u2014 Sheet1 and Sheet2 of one workbook shown in two stacked windows” title_text=”Sheet1 and Sheet2 of one workbook shown in two stacked windows” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n So far, you have seen how easy it is to compare two files and sheets on Excel. However, what if you would like to compare more than two files at the same time? This is how you can compare multiple Excel files using the side-by-side view.<\/p>\n Comparing multiple files for differences follows a similar process and will only take you a few simple steps.<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> Open all the Excel workbooks you would like to compare and go to View > View Side by Side. Select the file you want to start comparing with in the \u201cCompare Side by Side\u201d dialog box.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/compare-multiple-excel-files-side-by-side-dialog.webp” alt=”Compare multiple Excel files \u2014 Compare Side by Side dialog listing the open Student List workbooks” title_text=”Compare Side by Side dialog listing the open Student List workbooks” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> Click \u201cArrange All\u201d to view all the opened files at the same time.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/compare-multiple-excel-files-arrange-all.webp” alt=”Compare multiple Excel files \u2014 Arrange All button in the View tab Window group” title_text=”Arrange All button in the View tab Window group” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/compare-multiple-excel-files-tiled-arrangement.webp” alt=”Compare multiple Excel files \u2014 three Student List windows in a tiled arrangement” title_text=”Three Student List windows in a tiled arrangement” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n So far, these methods are useful in case your datasets are not too large and easily manageable. If you want to compare larger datasets for differences in values, the best way is to use the =IF formula or a conditional formatting rule. Let\u2019s explore the =IF formula first.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”how-to-compare-two-excel-sheets-using-a” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n This is the most straightforward way to compare data between two Excel sheets. This formula will allow you to identify cells containing different values, and a comparative report will be generated in a new worksheet.<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> Open a new empty sheet in your Excel workbook and enter the following formula in cell A1: =IF(Sheet1!A1 <> Sheet2!A1, "Sheet1:"&Sheet1!A1&" vs Sheet2:"&Sheet2!A1, "")<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/compare-excel-sheets-if-formula.webp” alt=”Compare Excel sheets with a formula \u2014 IF formula comparing Sheet1!A1 and Sheet2!A1 typed in cell A1″ title_text=”IF formula comparing Sheet1!A1 and Sheet2!A1 typed in cell A1″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> Grab the bottom-right corner of the formula cell, and drag down.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/compare-excel-sheets-if-formula-result.webp” alt=”Compare Excel sheets with a formula \u2014 cell A1 returns Sheet1:FG_ID vs Sheet2:ID” title_text=”Cell A1 returns Sheet1:FG_ID vs Sheet2:ID” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n The formula will adapt to the column and row position it fills. This way, the formula in cell A1 compares to cell A1 in \u201cSheet1\u201d and \u201cSheet2\u201d; the formula in cell B1 will compare cell B1 in both sheets as well.<\/p>\n This formula compares the sheets cell by cell, so it assumes both sheets list the same records in the same order. If the rows are sorted differently, look up each record by its ID with VLOOKUP<\/a> or XLOOKUP<\/a> instead.<\/p>\n We will now turn to how to compare two Excel sheets by highlighting the differences. The best way to do so is by using the Excel conditional formatting feature<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”how-to-compare-two-excel-sheets-using-co” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n When comparing two very similar and large datasets, the best and quickest way to spot differences in values is to highlight them using the conditional formatting feature.<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong> Open the Excel sheets and select the range of data you would like to compare for differences. A quick way to do this is to click the upper-left cell and then Ctrl + Shift + End to extend the selection to the last cell containing values.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/compare-excel-sheets-select-cell-range.webp” alt=”Compare Excel sheets \u2014 Student List data selected from the ID to the Language column” title_text=”Student List data selected from the ID to the Language column” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 2.<\/strong> Go to Home > Conditional Formatting > New rule.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/compare-excel-sheets-conditional-formatting-new-rule.png” alt=”Compare Excel sheets \u2014 Conditional Formatting menu open with New Rule at the bottom” title_text=”Conditional Formatting menu open with New Rule at the bottom” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 3.<\/strong> Select the rule type \u201cUse a formula to determine which cells to format\u201d and enter the following, =A1<>Sheet1!A1. The Sheet name included in the formula corresponds to the sheet you are comparing with and not the one you are creating the rule in.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/compare-excel-sheets-use-a-formula-rule.png” alt=”Compare Excel sheets \u2014 New Formatting Rule dialog with Use a formula to determine which cells to format selected” title_text=”New Formatting Rule dialog with Use a formula to determine which cells to format selected” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 4.<\/strong> Once you\u2019ve entered the formula, click \u201cFormat\u201d, next to the \u201cPreview\u201d pane.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/compare-excel-sheets-rule-format-button.png” alt=”Compare Excel sheets \u2014 rule formula comparing A1 with Sheet1!A1 and the Format button next to Preview” title_text=”Rule formula comparing A1 with Sheet1!A1 and the Format button next to Preview” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 5.<\/strong> Select how you would like to format the cells, i.e. according to \u201cNumber\u201d, \u201cFont\u201d, \u201cBorder\u201d, or \u201cFill\u201d. We recommend highlighting with color fill, so we have chosen a color that will clearly stand out.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/compare-excel-sheets-format-cells-fill.png” alt=”Compare Excel sheets \u2014 Format Cells Fill tab with a yellow color shown in the Sample box” title_text=”Format Cells Fill tab with a yellow color shown in the Sample box” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 6.<\/strong> As you can see, Excel has highlighted the different cells in \u201cSheet 2\u201d compared to \u201cSheet 1\u201d.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/compare-excel-sheets-differences-highlighted.png” alt=”Compare Excel sheets \u2014 Student List cells that differ from Sheet1 filled in yellow” title_text=”Student List cells that differ from Sheet1 filled in yellow” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Now you know how to compare two or multiple Excel files and two sheets on your desktop. What if you want to compare and highlight differences in your Excel sheets online?<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”how-to-compare-two-excel-sheets-and-high” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n In case you don\u2019t have Excel installed on your desktop or simply prefer to work online altogether, there are online tools that allow you to compare Excel files and sheets for differences.<\/p>\n Below, we provide a list of third-party tools that will allow you to compare Excel files and sheets online:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”conclusion” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n This article has shown you how to compare the data in two Excel files for differences. You can compare data between two files, two sheets, or multiple files using the side-by-side view for a quick and easy comparison. If your dataset is larger, you can apply the IF formula to compare two Excel sheets or use conditional formatting rules to highlight the differences.<\/p>\n Alternatively, for users who prefer to work online, there are platforms that can help you achieve this level of comparison in an online setting, for example, Sheetgo<\/a>, an AI-powered data automation platform. We also recommend reading our blog article on how to combine multiple Excel files into one<\/a> as a great way to complete this data comparison process.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Existem v\u00e1rios m\u00e9todos para comparar arquivos ou planilhas do Excel e identificar diferen\u00e7as. Veja como comparar dois arquivos ou planilhas do Excel.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":264248,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[51],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-264228","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-excel-features"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/264228","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=264228"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/264228\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/264248"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=264228"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=264228"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=264228"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}How to compare two Excel files using side-by-side view?<\/h2>\n
How to compare two Excel sheets using side-by-side view?<\/h3>\n
How to compare multiple Excel files using side-by-side view?<\/h3>\n
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How to compare two Excel sheets using a formula?<\/h2>\n
How to compare two Excel sheets using conditional formatting?<\/h2>\n
How to compare two Excel sheets and highlight differences online?<\/h2>\n
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Conclusion<\/h2>\n