How to Compare & Merge Workbooks

By using certain formulas and functions, you can compare and merge workbooks in Excel. Comparing and merging workbooks allows you to view compiled data side by side and combine two or more workbooks into one master workbook.

Comparing Worksheets

There is no specific function for comparing workbooks in Excel but it can be accomplished. By creating a new workbook and opening the comparison workbooks, compare the data by using the formula "=IF([WB1.xls]Sheet1!A1<>[WB2.xls]Sheet1!A1,"Different","") within each cell you wish to compare. Instead of typing "WB1.xls", click on the actual workbook tab/cell to copy the information. Once all of the comparison cells are filled, press Enter to view the results.

Merging Workbooks

With the workbooks open, click the File menu in Excel and choose Share. Open the Tools menu at the top of the screen and click Merge. You can add the open workbooks to the merge window now. Press the OK button once the merging workbooks are selected. Remember to save the merged workbooks under the File"menu once the merge is complete.

Considerations

To compare and merge workbooks from other users, the Share feature must be activated. These shared workbooks can be emailed for comparing and merging.

References

• Microsoft Office: Merging Workbooks