Compare lists for matching entries

  • I have two libraries of chemical compounds. I want to see if there are common entries between the two. I tried using the vlookup function, but neither of the lists have identifying keys. Any other options I should try? Please and thank you.

  • Re: Cross-referencing in Excel


    if they do not have identical entries then how do you determine

    Quote

    I want to see if there are common entries between the two


    can you give examples of common entries


    vlookup or index/match will be looking for identical cells to compare

    ETAF

  • Re: Compare lists for matching entries


    Welcome to Ozgrid.


    There are plenty of threads on the topic of comparing lists.
    Try a search of the forum.


    Take look at using the COUNTIF function, which can accept wildcard criteria if you need partial matches.

  • Re: Cross-referencing in Excel


    I want to see if the same compound shows up in both lists. So there is not a separate identifier, such as a serial number, but if the two lists have the same compound, it would be under the exact same name. Is it possible to do this type of cross-referencing?

  • Re: Compare lists for matching entries


    yes if they have the exact name


    as suggested an countif or a vlookup


    how is the data structured
    you dont need a key just the same text or number to lookup


    =IF(COUNTIF(LIST to lookup,value) >= 1, "Found", "Not Found") - will see if the value exits in a range
    OR
    vlookup ( value, RANGE, column to return, false)

    ETAF

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