Compare two Excel files
See exactly what changed between two versions of a workbook. Rows are matched by their labels, and the risky changes — formulas overwritten with numbers, changed formulas, deleted sheets — are ranked first.
How it works
Add both versions
Drop the old and new workbook. Both stay on your device.
Rows are aligned
Inserted and deleted rows are detected so the rest of the sheet lines up.
Review risky changes first
Overwritten formulas and logic changes come before value edits and formatting.
What it looks for
Formulas overwritten
A calculated cell that became a typed number.
Learn more →Formula logic changes
Different references or functions, ignoring simple row shifts.
Inserted and deleted rows
Detected by label so the rest of the comparison stays aligned.
Sheets added or removed
Including visibility changes on existing sheets.
Value edits with tolerance
Numbers compared with an optional rounding tolerance.
Formatting (optional)
Number format, font, fill and border changes when you ask for them.
Where teams use it
Budget and forecast rounds
See what changed between v3 and v4 before the review meeting.
Client or counterparty files
Check what came back changed in a returned model or schedule.
Audit and close workpapers
Evidence what changed in a schedule since the prior period.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare two Excel files for differences?
Drop the old version on the left and the new version on the right, then click Compare. DraftReview aligns rows by their labels, so inserted or deleted rows do not make every later cell look different, and ranks formula changes above simple value edits.
Is this an alternative to Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare?
Yes. Spreadsheet Compare only ships with Office Professional Plus and Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise on Windows. DraftReview runs in any modern browser — including on a Mac — with no install. See Spreadsheet Compare for Mac.
Are my files uploaded?
No. Both versions are read and compared in your browser. Nothing is sent to a server.
Can it ignore rounding differences and formatting?
Yes. Formatting-only changes are ignored by default, and you can set a numeric tolerance so differences such as 0.004 are not reported.
Does it compare formulas or values?
Both. Formulas are compared by their logic (a formula that moved down a row because a row was inserted is not a change). Constants are compared by value. A formula replaced by a typed number is flagged as high risk.
How large can the files be?
Free comparisons handle workbooks up to 25 MB each; Pro handles up to 100 MB. Very large files depend on your device’s memory because the work happens locally.
Related tools
Excel Error Checker
Find broken references, hard-coded overrides, inconsistent formulas, hidden sheets and external links.
Open tool →Excel Template Validator
Check returned copies of a template for changed labels, overwritten formulas and missing inputs.
Open tool →Excel Reconciliation Checker
Run tie-out rules across sheets and files: totals, cross-references and required cells.
Open tool →Check your next workbook before it goes out
Free, no sign-up, and your file never leaves your browser.