How do I compare two Excel documents?

Question

The compare function in Word 2007 is very handy -- is there a similar capability in Excel 2007? I can't seem to find it...

The documents I'm trying to compare are essentially two versions of the same content. Unfortunately, "Track Changes" has not been used.

If file comparison not a built-in feature, what alternatives are out there for doing this?

UPDATE [2009-08-05]:
I ran across this (somewhat dated) overview of some of the third-party options that are available: http://www.comparesuite.com/solutions/compare_utilities_review/compare-files-excel.htm

UPDATE [2009-08-12]:
I ended up going with the Beyond Compare answer, but several of the other answers below were adequate as well, and might be more useful for someone else. (E.g., if you don't own a license for BeyondCompare, or want a comparison GUI that's integrated into Excel.)

See also: How do I diff two spreadsheets on Stack Overflow

Answer 1

There is a plugin for WinMerge to compare Word, Excel, PDF and other document formats. Check out the xdocdiff plugin.

Answer 2

Beyond Compare with the Excel File Format Add-ons. I wasn't able to get the xdocdiff plugin for WinMerge working (as suggested in this answer), but this solution works in a similar way, using Beyond Compare as the engine. The add-ons convert the Excel files into either CSV or XML (there's an add-on for both) and then a textual comparison is used on these output files.

Answer 3

I just ran across this one -- Synkronizer. I downloaded the trial version and was generally happy with the program. The integration with Excel is nice, as is the visual highlighting and extensive customization. It can also generate a nice differences report as well. I found the interface a bit clunky to work with, though.

Answer 4

Easiest way I found, that doesn't require downloading dubious add-ons, is to just copy the spreadsheets into two Word 2010 documents and use the compare feature.

Yes it would be easier if they introduced the feature into Excel as well, but this is quick, easy and give you a perfect summary of all the changes.

Answer 5

This website has the procedure to compare two excel files side by side. This appears to be what you are looking for.

Comparing Excel Files

Answer 6

Use File->Save As to save the two files as a CSV (Comma Seprated Values) file, then use WinMerge (or the Diff program of your choice) to compares the two resulting CSV files.

Answer 7

I did that with a conversion to CSV files -- text is easy to diff.

There is a Perl script using the Spreadsheet::ParseExcel module at that question.
Besides, there are other ways to get to a CSV text file which can be compared.

You could even modify the solution to automate the comparison directly in the script.
I got the CSVs since there was a lot of other activity required.

Answer 8

Component Software has an Excel Diff tool . I havent used it but there other software is pretty good.

Answer 9

The Power Utility Pak (PUP) is the best add-on that I have ever purchased for any application. Among its many functions is a Compare Ranges function which will do what you are looking for. The software cost $40 ($60 with source code included) but if you spend any amount of time in Excel, it is well worth the cost. If you do any VBA development, then the source code option is extremely helpful as well. The Excel 2007 version can be found here Power Utility Pak v7.

drew

Answer 10

As far as the sheets to compare are comaptible with OpenOffice Calc this provides a very handy compare function.

Answer 11

Try the ExcelDiff tool. It is free.

It compares Excel files and writes the result to HTML files.