Comparing Two Columns

What I'm attempting to do is analyze data on spread sheet. I've attached an example. what I need to do is compare columns "E" and "I". But I have numerous means of comparing the data. I think I will need three different formulas which is okay and am unsure if VBA is better. For example: I compare "E2" and "I2"...ect:
1) I would need to compare complete cell
2) I would need to compare the first three digits
3) I would need to compare the middle digits
If you towards the end you can see that some will compare to a BLANK cell if column "E" is ever blank. I first tried using countif but couldn't get it done. I only need totals that do not match in this category. i.e. 25 of 140 do not match. I appreciate any help.

BillyJ

Re: Comparing Two Columns

Thanks I thought it would be a sumproduct formula just not very good at using them. I have an additional question. how can I make my automate my range for data. in this situation I had 187 lines but tomorow I will have 225. Is there a way so I do not have to change my formula everyday. I also adde formula for middle two and stillworking the blanks.
Thanks BillyJ

=SUMPRODUCT((G2:G187=C2:C187)*1) for complete cell comparison
=SUMPRODUCT((LEFT(G2:G187,3)=LEFT(C2:C187,3))*1) for first three digits
=SUMPRODUCT((MID(G2:G187,2,2)=MID(C2:C187,2,2))*1)

Re: Comparing Two Columns

Thanks if I know column "G" will always be longer than "C" does that make it easier?

Re: Comparing Two Columns

Thanks never really understood how to ranges via the Insert>names I'll work on that. I tried to increase the data in column "C" and "G" and the data did not change. am I doing something incorrect? Thanks again...I'll keep pressing