- Use the Exact function for one-to-one matches.
- The IF function helps you customize True or False to something that fits your project.
- You can use Capital and small cases when using the “=” function.
Method 1. How to Compare Columns in Excel for Matches Using the EQUAL TO Operator
This is a simple way to confirm if columns within your Excel worksheet contain the same data. However, this method is not case-sensitive and only focuses on whether the text or number within the cells is the same.
Step 1: Ensure there is a dedicated column to display the result. In this case, we use the Match Result column to compare Columns 1 and 2.
Step 2: Place your cursor within a cell beside the cell you want to compare.
Step 3: Type = and select the first cell you want to compare. It would be best if you had something similar to the text below:
=B3
Step 4: Type = again and select the second cell you would like to compare. It would be best if you had something similar to the text below:
=B3=C3
Step 5: Tap the Enter key on your keyboard for Excel to return a TRUE or FALSE value.
Step 6: Place your cursor at the bottom right corner of the cell and drag the formula down to compare matches for other cells.
Method 2. How to Compare Columns in Excel for Matches Using the EXACT Function
Like most other functions in Microsoft Excel, the EXACT function is a pre-defined formula. The EXACT function checks whether two text strings are identical by returning a TRUE or FALSE value.
An important thing to note is that the EXACT function is case-sensitive. So, when you use different cases, it will return a FALSE value.
Step 1: Place your cursor within a cell beside the columns you want to compare.
Step 2: Type =EXACT( into the cell and press the Tab key.
Step 3: Select the cells you want to compare and tap the Enter key for Excel to return a TRUE or FALSE value. You should have something similar to the text below:
=EXACT(B3:C3)
Step 4: Place your cursor at the bottom right corner of the cell and drag the formula down to compare matches for other cells.
Method 3. How to Compare Columns in Excel for Matches Using the IF Condition
Another function you can use to compare column matches in Excel is the IF Function. With the IF Function, you can create conditions for the data in your worksheet. If the data in the columns meet or do not meet the conditions, set it up to return a particular result.
Step 1: Place your cursor within a cell beside the columns you want to compare.
Step 2: Type =IF ( into the cell and press the Tab key.
Step 3: Select the first cell you would like to compare. You should have something similar to the text below:
=IF(B3
Step 4: Type = after selecting the first cell, select the second cell for comparison. You should have something similar to the text below:
=IF(B3=C3
Step 5: Enter the results you want Excel to return if the selected cells match. This is called the value if true and the value if false. You should have something similar to the text below:
=IF(B3=C3, “True”, “False”)
Step 6: Press the Enter key on your keyboard for Excel to return a TRUE or FALSE value.
Step 7: Place your cursor at the bottom right corner of the cell and drag the formula down to compare matches for other cells.
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Basic Fixes
- Restart MS Word: If Word is not printing a document or takes forever to do so, try restarting the app. This will refresh the app and may get rid of the bug that was affecting it.
- Restart Printer: If there’s a connectivity issue with your PC, restarting your printer may help. This establishes a fresh bridge between your PC and the printer.
- Check network connection for wireless printing: If you’re using a wireless printer, ensure you’re not facing any issues with your internet.
- Run one print job at a time: Ensure you have one active printing job at a time. Trying to print multiple documents at once can deplete available memory and CPU for MS Word.
Fix 1: Restart Printer Spool Service
The print spooler, a Windows service managing print jobs, can face problems such as corrupted jobs or errors, affecting printing. Restarting the spooler clears stuck print jobs, enabling new ones to proceed, and resets the spooler, eliminating temporary issues.
Step 1: Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run menu. Type services.msc and hit the Enter key.
Step 2: It will open the Services menu. Scroll down to Print Spooler . Right-click on it and open the Properties from the context menu.
Step 3: Select Automatic from the Startup type menu and ensure it shows the running service status.
Fix 2: Re-Install Printer Drivers
If the drivers installed on your PC are faulty, it may affect printing jobs within apps. Therefore, try reinstalling the printer drivers on your PC. This will install a fresh version of drivers that may be free from bugs or corrupted components.
Step 1: Open Device Manager from the Start menu.
Step 2: Expand Print queues . Right-click on your printer from the list.
Step 2: Select Uninstall device from the context menu.
Step 5: Close the Device Manager menu and restart the PC.
Your computer will install the required printer drivers during the reboot process.
Fix 3: Remove and Add the Printer
If the printer and its related components are not installed correctly on your PC, you may have issues printing documents. Therefore, try removing the printer from your PC and adding it once again.
Step 1: Open the Settings menu on Windows. Select Bluetooth & devices from the left sidebar. Select Printers & scanners from the right pane.
Step 2: Open your printer from the list of devices. Select Remove from the following menu.
Step 3: Now, go back to the Printers & scanners menu and select Add device . Connect your printer and wait for your PC to recognize it.
Fix 4: Export the Document as PDF and Print
If Microsoft Word stops responding when printing, you can move out of the environment and print it externally. You can do so by exporting the document as a PDF and printing the document.
To export the document, click File > Export and select the PDF option. Then, select a destination of your choice to save the document.
Open the saved PDF and try printing the same.
Also Read : Fix printer on Windows keeps printing landscape instead of portrait
Fix 5: Repair Microsoft Office
If Microsoft Office has a bug and Word does not respond when you print, try repairing the app. Your PC can help detect problems with Microsoft Word and quickly fix them.
Step 1: Open the Settings app. Click on Apps in the sidebar and go to Apps & features .
Step 2: Scroll down to find Microsoft Office > click on the three dots next to it > click on Modify .
Step 3: Use the options to repair Microsoft Office and click on Repair . You can repair and fix the issues affecting it.
If none of the above methods work, upload the Word document to Google Docs or Microsoft Office online and print it.
