checking columns for matches

[srmorgan]

Here is an old problem and I wonder if anyone has found a solution for it.

I sometimes have to reconcile two columns of items, different lengths, and some of the items on column A might not be on column B and some of the items in column B might not be in column A.
How do you find the ones that match or the ones that don't match?

I have been using Vlookups from one to the other and vice versa but that is clunky.
Is there a way to identify the unmatched items easily?

Thanks to all

SRMorgan

 

[SpillerBD]

Conditional Formatting, Show Duplicates...?

 

[JoeMo]

Supposing the columns are A and B:
for col A cells

=IF(ISNA(MATCH(Cell in A,Col B range address absolute,0)),"No Match in col B for cell in col A","")

for col B cells

=IF(ISNA(MATCH(Cell in B,Col A range address absolute,0)),"No Match in col A for cell in col B","")

 

[srmorgan]

JoeMo,

Could you clarify the text in your response, i.e, would it look like this =IF(ISNA(MATCH(a4,$b$4:$b4$1500,0)),"NO MATCH FOR COLUMN A. ETC.","")?

thank you for your help!

 

[srmorgan]

JoeMo
Figured it out,
Thanks

 

[JoeMo]

JoeMo
Figured it out,
Thanks

Good work, and you are welcome.