Compare for duplicates. For example, if you have two columns (A and B) and want to compare data in column A against data in column B, manually review each cell for matching data.
Determine if the duplication can be consolidated meaning if the cell can be removed for duplication it is removed from the column; however, if the duplicate cannot be consolidated because it demonstrates a statistic about the data, record the number of matches and tally the result.
Match data for patterns. For example, if a teacher wanted to compare students from column A against students from column B, she could determine how many students from column A used sample tests to prepare for a final exam and received an above- average score versus students from column B who also used sample tests to prepare for the final exam and received an above average score.
By comparing the two columns for duplication, the teacher in the above example can correlate key behaviors across two groups of students to determine if a study technique was more effective over another or produced better results (i.e. higher test scores). By comparing the two columns for duplication, the teacher in the above example can correlate key behaviors across two groups of students to determine if a study technique was more effective over another or produced better results (i.e. higher test scores).
Compare for irregularities. Compare the two columns for data that are not consistent with the overall facts recorded. When comparing data, irregularities can demonstrate key findings, establish averages (i.e. instances between two columns where a score or statistic dropped (drastically) but no pattern was formed) and alert the preparer to a potential error in the data.
Compare for range. Compare two columns to determine a range for the information. For example, when comparing two columns, review the data to determine the lowest and highest value recorded. A small business wanting to compare two columns (e.g. each representing a specific month or year) could compare for the lowest and highest profits or lowest and highest employee attendance.