Match rows with more than one column

When an Excel order export has multiple rows per order, each row may represent a line item rather than the whole order. Match Excel rows using multiple columns: Order ID plus SKU uniquely identifies the line items in this sample, even when their order changes. Then compare Quantity and Amount. All Amount values are in USD; use the same currency in your own files because RowKite does not convert currencies.

What is in the sample files

Follow these steps

1. Check what each row represents

   Each row here is an order line item. SO001 contains P01 and P02, so Order ID is not unique. Both files need to represent records at the same level of detail.

2. Choose the files and Line items sheet

   Add baseline.xlsx as the Reference file and target.xlsx under Files to compare. Select Line items in both files. The first 10 rows are available in the source preview.

3. Select two matching columns

   Under Match rows by, select both Order ID and SKU. Both values must match to identify the same record. The matching key check scans all data rows, not just the preview.

4. Compare Quantity and Amount

   Under Columns to compare, select Quantity and Amount. Keep Raw values, then click Compare files. The P02 line in SO001 changed; the other two line items stayed the same.

5. Resolve any remaining duplicate combinations

   If the same order and SKU still appear on multiple rows in your data, add a line item ID or another stable column. You can use up to three matching columns. Review the issues and correct the source data if combinations still repeat; RowKite does not pick an arbitrary first row.

Expected results

Match rows by: Order ID + SKU. Columns to compare: Quantity, Amount.

Before using your own files

• This combination is unique in the example. Check the level of detail in your own files before choosing the same columns.
• An order and SKU can still repeat when items ship in batches, have split deliveries, or contain duplicate rows. Add a stable line item ID as a third matching column, or prepare both exports at a consistent level of detail. RowKite does not combine quantities or amounts automatically.
• A column cannot be used for both matching and comparison. To check whether a value changed, match records using other stable columns.
• Blank or duplicate matching values need review. Update the matching columns and check again before interpreting the differences.

Limits: 2–5 .xlsx / .xls files, with both formats allowed in one comparison. Use standard, unencrypted Excel 97–2003 tables for .xls. Limits are 10 MiB per file, 30 MiB total, 10,000 rows and 50 columns per sheet, and 1 million populated cells across all files. Reports are always exported as .xlsx. Refreshing, closing the page, or leaving the workspace clears the current files.

Read the full guide and comparison rules · Learn how files and results are handled