Compare Excel files: from choosing columns to downloading a report

1. Choose files: Select one reference file and 1–4 comparison files. Each comparison file is compared separately with the reference.
2. Choose sheets: Select one visible sheet per file. The first row supplies the headers. The preview shows the first 10 rows; comparison also includes hidden rows.
3. Match rows: Choose 1–3 columns that uniquely identify each record, such as SKU + Color + Warehouse.
4. Choose columns to compare: Select 1–8 columns and confirm their mapping in every file. You can set text trimming, numeric comparison, and decimal precision for each column.
5. Review results: The default view shows Differences and needs review groups. Click a yellow cell to see both original values and source locations. Check Issues for duplicate or blank matching keys.
6. Download the report: Exports always include the full result, regardless of your search, filter, or current page. A saved setup reuses your columns and rules without storing business data.

The result column uses icons: a pencil for Changed, + for Only in comparison file, − for Only in reference file, a warning triangle for Needs review, ✓ for Same, and a short dash when neither file has a record. Open the question mark in the header for the full legend, or hover over an icon for its status and issue details.

On a computer, choose Full screen beside the comparison details heading. On a phone, open More to enter or exit full screen. Phones show a differences list by default; choose View full comparison to see all columns, or switch to the full table in More. Your search, filters, and page stay selected. Esc closes an open menu or detail panel first.

How comparison rules work

Raw values mode distinguishes the number 123 from the text "123" and preserves leading zeros in text such as "000123". Blank cells and empty strings are treated as equal; a blank is not zero. Text comparison is case-sensitive.

Numeric values mode accepts numbers and strict decimal text. It does not interpret currency symbols, thousands separators, or percentages such as "$12", "1,000", or "10%". At the selected decimal precision, halfway values round away from zero. The report keeps the original values.

What needs review

Blank matching values, duplicate key combinations, error cells, and formulas without saved results appear in Issues. Duplicate rows are not merged or matched to an arbitrary first row. A duplicate key in the reference affects that key in every comparison file.

Issues groups source rows with the same problem in one table, using their actual headers. Pale yellow cells show values that differ within those source rows. Question marks include next steps. Expand All original columns and detailed reasons to see other columns and source locations. Difference details show original values side by side, or candidate records when multiple rows match. Types, formulas, and the values used for comparison appear under Details.

RowKite reads saved formula results; it does not recalculate formulas. Calculate and save the workbook in Excel before selecting it. Native Excel dates follow the workbook’s date system. Text dates are not converted automatically.

Supported files and task storage

Use standard .xlsx tables. Encrypted workbooks, missing headers, merged cells in required columns, and files over the limits need preparation first. RowKite cannot restore digits already lost from long numeric IDs. Store those IDs as text in your source files.

After comparing, choose Save this setup on the results page to save your columns and rules while keeping the current results, filters, and export available. Saved setups contain settings, not Excel contents or results. Files and results exist only in memory for the current task. Refreshing, closing the page, or leaving the workspace clears them; saved setups remain. Download your report before leaving.