Select Column Differences in Excel
The Select Column Differences shortcut helps you quickly identify cells with different values across selected columns. It is ideal for comparing datasets side by side.
Keyboard Shortcut
| Windows | Mac |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + | | Cmd + | |
What Does This Shortcut Do?
When multiple columns are selected, this shortcut makes Excel highlight only the cells that are different compared to the active column. Matching values are ignored.
How to Use the Shortcut
- Select two or more columns containing similar data
- Ensure the active cell is in the column you want to compare against
- Press Ctrl + | (Windows) or Cmd + | (Mac)
- Excel selects only the differing cells
When This Shortcut Is Useful
- Comparing monthly or yearly data columns
- Finding mismatches between source and result columns
- Auditing copied or imported datasets
- Validating calculated results
Tips & Best Practices
- Columns must be aligned row by row for accurate comparison
- Blank cells are treated as differences
- Works with both values and formulas
FAQ
- Q: Which column does Excel compare against?
- The active column is used as the reference.
- Q: Are formulas compared or results?
- Excel compares the displayed values, not the formulas.
- Q: Can I compare non-adjacent columns?
- No, the selected columns must be contiguous.