COMPARE_LIST

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)))

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.

Function name: COMPARE_LIST

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

Argument placeholders: range1, range2

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

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

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 This Function to Google Sheets (Easy Download & Import)

Follow these simple steps to download and import the 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:

Download the Formula: Click on the download button at the top of this page to download a file with the formula.
Open Google Sheets: Open your Google Sheets document, from the top menu select Data > Named functions. Click Import function.
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.

How to Add This Function to Google Sheets (Manual)

Follow these simple steps to integrate the function into your spreadsheet:

Open Google Sheets: Open your Google Sheets document, from the top menu select Data > Named functions. Click Add new function.
Copy the Formula: For each input copy and paste the information from above.
- 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 placeholdes.
- Copy the formula of the function to the Formula definition input.
Click Next.
Add additional details: Optionally you can add a description and example for the placeholders.
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.