Reconciling values from 2 spreadsheets

Hi Fahim

Yes, there are several ways to find the same values from two different spreadsheets or workbooks in Excel. One common method is using the VLOOKUP function or INDEX and MATCH functions. However, these methods typically require a relative reference.
If you want to find the same values without any relative reference, you can use the COUNTIF function.

Here’s how you can do it:
1. Open both spreadsheets/workbooks.
2. In the workbook where you want to find the duplicates, select a cell and enter the following formula:
=IF(COUNTIF([Workbook2.xlsx]Sheet1!$A:$A, A1)>0, "Duplicate", "Unique")

In this formula:
• [Workbook2.xlsx]Sheet1!$A:$A is the range of cells in the other workbook where you want to look for duplicates. Replace Workbook2.xlsx and Sheet1 with the name of your workbook and worksheet, respectively.
• A1 is the cell in the current workbook that you want to check. You can replace A1 with the cell you want to check.

This formula will return “Duplicate” if the value in cell A1 is found in the specified range in the other workbook, and “Unique” if it’s not.
You can then drag the fill handle (the small square at the bottom-right corner of the cell) down to copy this formula for all cells in the column.
Please note that both workbooks need to be open for this to work. If the workbook you’re referencing is closed, you’ll get a #REF! error. Also, please ensure that the Excel calculation option is set to Automatic. You can check this by going to Formulas > Calculation Options in the Excel ribbon. If it’s set to Manual, Excel won’t update the formula results when the referenced data changes.

Lookup functions are covered on our Excel Advanced course, please look at the public course options or discuss with the person who booked you on to the Excel Intermediate course to arrange for the next level

Advanced Excel Course London
https://www.stl-training.co.uk/microsoft/excel-advanced-courses.php


Kind regards

Richard

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