Power Query sample workbook - Excel worksheet compare utility

Key Points

  • Power Query is part of Excel in Microsoft 365 and 2016+. It is a FREE Excel Add In for Excel 2010 and 2013
  • Download this sample Power Query workbook and find all the cell value differences between two similar workbooks instantly
  • The Power Query sample demonstrates some useful data transformation and merging of data sets
  • The workbook demonstrates the basics of Power Query and a number of Power Query functions

Kick-start your understanding of Power Query with this sample workbook from CMBI. The workbook demonstrate some of the key features of Power Query - a native feature of Excel and Power BI Desktop.

About CMBI

Download the sample Power Query workbook

CMBI developed this Power Query workbook using Excel 2016. If you are using Excel 2010 or 2013 you will need the Power Query Add In which is FREE from Microsoft.

Introduction to Power Query worksheet comparison tool

We built this spreadsheet comparison/audit tool using Power Query. It compares data from two Excel workbooks and reports any differences in cell values (although not formulas) between equivalent cells in the different workbooks.

For instance, if the value for Sheet1 Cell A1 in Workbook A = 15, and the value for Sheet1 Cell A1 in Workbook B = 15.001, it will report the two cells as having different values.

The workbook will compare tens of thousands of cell values instantly, reporting all differences

Instructions to use the sample

The Power Query workbook contains instructions and explanation of the main Power Query features used in the example.

Download the workbook from the links above and get started comparing your workbooks.

Power Query worksheet compare utility advantages

Some advantage of this Power Query worksheet comparisons tool include

  • No VBA, macros or security concerns
  • All native Excel functionality
  • Easily extensible and customisable - for instance to compare a folder of workbooks

Power Query functions used in the sample

Power Query functions used in the sample include

  • Excel.Workbook
  • Table.AddIndexColumn
  • Table.UnpivotOtherColumns
  • Table.ReplaceErrorValues
  • Table.FillDown
  • Table.SelectRows
  • Table.ReplaceValue
  • Table.AddColumn
  • Table.RenameColumns
  • Table.Sort
  • Table.TransformColumns
  • Table.NestedJoin
  • Table.ExpandTableColumn

Want to learn more about Power Query?

Power Query is part of Microsoft Power BI. CMBI provide hosted and onsite training for all levels of Power BI users and developers. Please contact julie@cmbi.com.au to arrange a training sesssion or learn more about training and mentoring options with Power Pivot and other BI tools

About CMBI

CMBI designs and develops business intelligence and analytics solutions for clients in Sydney and regional NSW. CMBI technology expertise includes Power BI, Power Pivot, Excel, SQL Server, Analysis Services, SharePoint BI, and Tableau

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