Supported
Two `.xlsx` files up to 20 MiB each; coordinate-aligned values, formula expressions, worksheet presence and visibility, hidden rows and columns, used ranges, filtering, and CSV export.
Formula version review
Compare Formula Changes Between Excel Workbook Versions
Find cells where the stored formula expression changed between an original and updated `.xlsx` file, then review those changes separately from ordinary value edits.
Short answer
Compare the expression, not only the displayed result
Two cells can display the same value while using different formulas. WorkbookDiff reads the stored expressions from two coordinate-aligned `.xlsx` versions and reports formula changes as their own category. It does not recalculate either workbook, so the output is a change review rather than a correctness verdict.
Four-step workflow
Review formula edits without burying them in cell noise
- Choose the earlier version.Select the original `.xlsx` workbook from your device.
- Choose the updated version.Select the later file. Workbook contents remain in browser memory.
- Filter to formula changes.Run the comparison, then focus the result list on changed formula expressions.
- Review and export.Inspect worksheet and cell locations, then export supported findings to CSV for follow-up.
What a difference means
Formula text and calculated values answer different questions
| Signal | Example | Review question |
|---|---|---|
| Formula changed | =SUM(B2:B8) to =SUM(B2:B9) | Was the expanded range intentional? |
| Formula removed | =C4*D4 to a fixed value | Should this cell still calculate dynamically? |
| Value changed | 1250 to 1300 | Is this an input edit rather than a logic edit? |
WorkbookDiff reports stored expressions and values. It cannot determine business intent, validate accounting logic, or calculate fresh results.
Honest scope
Use it for version review, not forensic model assurance
Not supported
`.xls`, `.xlsm`, `.xlsb`, CSV input, password-protected workbooks, key-based or row-reordered reconciliation, formatting, charts, pivot tables, comments, named ranges, macros, recalculation, or external-link resolution.
The exported CSV is a report of supported differences from one comparison. It has no author identity, timestamps, approvals, or version history and is not a complete audit trail.
Formula review FAQ
Before you compare
Does WorkbookDiff recalculate formulas?
No. WorkbookDiff compares stored formula expressions between coordinate-aligned cells; it does not recalculate formulas or verify the correctness of the resulting values.
Can WorkbookDiff inspect VBA or external links?
No. Macros, VBA, external-link resolution, named ranges, charts, pivot tables, and formula recalculation are outside the current comparison scope.