SEE: 98 Excel tips every user should master (TechRepublic) How to use VLOOKUP () to compare two sets of data in Microsoft Excel The VLOOKUP () function has been the cornerstone of many Excel apps.

Microsoft Excel comes with a lot of built-in functionality that doesn't restrict you to comparing data in two columns using only one method.

How to compare columns in Microsoft Excel As stated, we can use the Excel VLOOKUP function to find and match different data or find differences in two columns.

If you want to compare data in a side-by-side fashion, then we suggest using the Scenario Manager feature in Excel. You can also use it to swap multiple sets of data within a single worksheet.