COMPARE_LIST

Compare two ranges and list the elements that are in the first but not in the second

Formula definition
Download 
=FILTER(range1, NOT(COUNTIF(range2, range1)))

Function details

This function will compare two ranges and list down the elements that are present in the first range but not in the second. To use the "COMPARE_LISTS" function input two ranges: "range1" and "range2". "range1" is the list you want to compare against "range2" to find unique items. For example, if you have a list of employee IDs in cells "A2:A10" that you want to compare against a list of IDs in "B2:B10" to identify IDs only present in the first list, you would enter the function in a cell as "=COMPARE_LISTS(A2:A10, B2:B10)". This function will then display all the unique IDs from "A2:A10" that do not appear in "B2:B10", listed vertically starting from the cell where you entered the function.

Use the inputs below to create COMPARE_LIST as a reusable custom function in Google Sheets.

Learn how to add custom functions to Google Sheets
Function name

COMPARE_LIST

Function description

Compare two ranges and list the elements that are in the first but not in the second

Formula definition

=FILTER(range1, NOT(COUNTIF(range2, range1)))

Argument placeholder

range1

Argument placeholder

range2

Argument details

Argument description (range1)

The first list of cells you want to compare

Argument example (range1)

A2:A10

Argument description (range2)

The second list of cells you want to compare against the first

Argument example (range2)

B2:B10

Related functions

Other functions in the same category: List & Array Operations

COALESCE

Returns the first non-blank value in a range

List & Array Operations

CONCAT_UNIQUE

Concatenates multiple ranges or arrays and removes duplicates

List & Array OperationsText Manipulation & Formatting

DEDUPE_LIST

Extract a list of unique values from a range

List & Array Operations

TOP_N

Return the top N items ranked by scores

List & Array Operations

BOTTOM_N

Return the botttom N items ranked by scores

List & Array Operations

What is a named function in Google Sheets?

Named functions enable the creation of custom, reusable formulas that mimic built-in functions, streamlining calculations and data manipulations. These functions simplify complex formulas, making spreadsheets more readable and less prone to errors. By encapsulating intricate logic within a single function call, they enhance consistency across your data. Utilizing named functions reduces the need to write lengthy formulas repeatedly, thereby improving workflow efficiency and productivity in data analysis and management.

How to add custom functions to Google Sheets

Quick & dirty method

Download and import — fastest way to add the function but does not include argument descriptions and examples

Follow these simple steps to download and import a function into your spreadsheet. This method is the quickest and easiest way to add the named function to your Google Sheets document, but will not include the argument description and examples.

  1. 1
    Download the formula: Click on the download button next to the function to download a file with the formula.
  2. 2
    Open Google Sheets: Open your Google Sheets document, from the top menu select Data > Named functions. Click Import function.
  3. 3
    Import the function: Select Upload and select the file you downloaded with the function. Click Import all or select which function(s) to import and click Import.

Once added, the function will be ready to use in your document like any other built-in function. Simply type the function name and provide the required inputs to use it in your calculations.

Manual & detailed method

Copy and paste — copy and paste each property one at a time

Follow these simple steps to integrate a custom named function into your spreadsheet:

  1. 1
    Open Google Sheets: Open your Google Sheets document, from the top menu select Data > Named functions. Click Add new function.
  2. 2
    Enter the function details: For each input copy and paste the information for the function.
    • Copy the name of the function to the Function name input.
    • Copy the description of the function to the Function description input.
    • Copy each placeholder one at a time into the Argument placeholders input, if there are any placeholders.
    • Copy the formula of the function to the Formula definition input.
    Click Next.
  3. 3
    Add additional details: Optionally you can add a description and example for the placeholders.
  4. 4
    Save the function: Click Create to add the function to your document.

Once added, the function will be ready to use in your document like any other built-in function. Simply type the function name and provide the required inputs to use it in your calculations.

Tips

  • If you import a named function that has the same name as a named function that already exists in your active file, the imported one will override the existing named function.
  • If the named function that you selected to import depends on another named function, like formula definition, Google Sheets will warn you about that dependency and highlight the dependent functions.
  • If the named function that you selected to import uses a formula that interacts with an external source, like IMAGE, Google Sheets will warn you about that interaction.