Who can use Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare?
Microsoft says it is available only in Excel for Windows with Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise and equivalent editions. Do not assume every Excel subscription includes it.
Objective comparison of workflows and costs
WorkbookDiff vs Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare
WorkbookDiff vs Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare is a choice between a browser-local XLSX workflow and the Microsoft Windows desktop comparison tool. Compare worksheet matching, access requirements and exports; WorkbookDiff is not a feature-for-feature replacement.
WorkbookDiff vs Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare: comparison table
Vendor facts are from the linked official source, as of November 2026. A missing fact is not a claim that a feature is absent.
| Workflow or feature | Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare | WorkbookDiff |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Available only in Excel for Windows with Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise and equivalent editions. | Modern browser on Mac, Linux or Windows; no Inquire installation. |
| Launch | Inquire > Compare Files on the Excel ribbon. | Select two XLSX files in the browser and compare. |
| Worksheet matching | Compares worksheets by position, beginning with the leftmost worksheet in each file. | Matches worksheet names, then cell coordinates; does not align reordered rows. |
| Hidden sheets | Hidden worksheets are still shown and compared. | Reports sheet visibility and presence changes and supported changes on hidden sheets. |
| Results export | Exports comparison results to an Excel file. | Free full CSV; optional $19 one-time audit report with notes and HTML / print export, no subscription. |
| Access and cost | Requires an eligible Excel for Windows edition; this source does not quote a standalone price. | Free comparison and CSV without signup; optional report is separate. |
When to choose Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare instead
Choose Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare instead when you already have an eligible Excel for Windows edition, want worksheet-by-position comparison starting with the leftmost tab, or need comparison results exported to Excel. Hidden sheets remain shown and compared. The cited Microsoft page does not establish a standalone price.
When to choose WorkbookDiff instead
Choose WorkbookDiff for a browser workflow on Mac, Linux or Windows when your two XLSX versions have matching sheet names and aligned coordinates. Keep selected files local, inspect stored values and formula changes, and export a free CSV. Add the optional $19 one-time audit report for review notes and HTML / print export, with no subscription. Do not choose it for editing or merging workbooks, VBA comparison or formula recalculation.
Try the free WorkbookDiff workflow
- Open the free comparison tool and select two aligned, unencrypted XLSX versions.
- Review differences by worksheet name and cell address, including stored formula changes.
- Export the full CSV free, or inspect the optional report before paying.
For full workbook versions, read compare two Excel files. For tabs within or between workbooks, use compare two Excel sheets for differences. See formula comparison, the Excel diff guide and Excel comparison on Mac.
WorkbookDiff scope and limits
WorkbookDiff runs in a modern browser on Mac, Linux and Windows. It compares two unencrypted XLSX files, up to 20 MB each, using matching worksheet names and cell coordinates. It detects supported stored values, stored formula expressions, sheet presence and visibility, hidden rows and columns, and used-range changes. It does not recalculate formulas, compare formatting or VBA, merge edits, or realign reordered rows.
Selected workbook files are processed locally in browser memory, with no workbook upload. Site services and optional billing can still use the network. Comparison and full CSV export are free without signup. The optional $19 one-time audit report adds review notes and HTML / print export for one workbook pair, with no subscription, when checkout is enabled. This is an audit handoff report, not an independent audit. Report details and availability.
Frequently asked questions
How do I launch Spreadsheet Compare?
In Excel for Windows, select Inquire > Compare Files on the ribbon. Microsoft links to instructions for turning on Inquire if the tab is missing.
Does Microsoft match worksheets by name?
The cited Microsoft instructions describe comparing worksheets by position, starting with the leftmost worksheet in each workbook. WorkbookDiff instead matches worksheet names and cell coordinates.
Does Microsoft compare hidden sheets and export results?
Yes. Microsoft says hidden worksheets are still shown and compared, and comparison results can be exported to an Excel file.
Are my Excel files uploaded to WorkbookDiff?
No. WorkbookDiff reads and compares selected files locally in browser memory. Site services and optional billing can still use the network; local processing is not a zero-network-traffic promise.
What does the optional WorkbookDiff report cost?
Comparison and full CSV export are free without signup. The optional $19 one-time audit report adds review notes and HTML / print export for one workbook pair, with no subscription, when checkout is enabled. It is not an independent audit.
Sources and review date
Vendor source, as of November 2026 (reviewed November 5, 2026): Microsoft: Compare two versions of a workbook by using Spreadsheet Compare. Prices and availability can change; confirm current vendor terms before purchasing. Only this official page is used for Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare facts.
WorkbookDiff details were checked against the local file-reading and comparison implementation and one-time report billing flow on November 5, 2026. Local processing details and report pricing and availability.
Alternatives compared
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Choose the guide for your comparison task: Compare Excel files without uploading · Compare Excel formulas and detect formula replaced by value changes · Export an Excel difference report CSV · Compare two Excel files · Excel diff for XLSX workbooks · Compare Excel files on Mac. · Compare two Excel sheets · Beyond Compare alternative for Excel · Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare alternative