What is the formula for comparing lists of data in Excel?

This formula in particular allows you to take a partial list with some blank data and compare it to a master list and retrieve the blank data.  For example, let's say we have a list of 10 student names that we need Student ID's for, and the only point of reference that we have is a master list of all 200 students and their respective ID's. The formula allows us to match the name from our list to the master list, and bring a copy of the student ID to our list. Attached is a spreadsheet outlining these details in a more visual method.  

Article Number: 100278

Products:

  • Microsoft_products
  • Not_applicable
Formula for data comparison in Excel

=INDEX($B$2:$B$6,MATCH($D2,$A$2:$A$6,0))

B - information trying to find (A student ID for example)

D2 - column to compare from (Our list)

A2 - Column to compare to (the master list)

As mentioned, your output will be the student ID's for all the students in our list.  
  Index_Match_formula_Flowers.xlsx

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