Compare 2 columns and return fill red if it is different

Question asked by user @ Excel forum:-

How to compare 2 columns through conditional formatting and return fill red if it is different ?

I want to compare 2 columns( A column and B columns ) if data in columns B is different i want to change to red color.

I ask you a simple version for my problem but the problem is little more difficult I want to compare a list of columns A and B for example P.12242 with R1112242900 ; 12242 is common number.

In the above mentioned query user want to compare two columns, in which he wants where the cells are not same in the both column that should be highlighted with the Red color.

Our Excel expert has given very nice reply and resolve his problem. Let’s see how we can do compare two columns through Conditional Formatting.

Select the both columns Column A and B.
Then click on “Conditional Formatting” drop down list will appear, where we have to select “Manage Rules” dialog box will get open.
Where we have to click on “New Rule”, New Formatting Rule dialog box will get appear, click on Use a formula to determine which cells to format.
=MID($A2,3,5)<>MID($B2,4,5)
Click on Format and select the Red color.