How can I compare data in 2 different columns in Excel?

[Guest]

I have a value in 1 column that records the number of applications that were
applied for (by date applied), and in another column, I have the number of
applications that were actually approved (by date approved). I need a way to
compare the 2 columns to come up with the percentage of applications that
were approved. I can do it manually, but since the data is constantly
changing, and it is such a large spread sheet, I was hoping that there is a
formula that will do it for me!!

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Becky

 

[Frank Kabel]

Hi
could you give some example data and your expected result

 

[Guest]

Column N is titled "Application Submitted" and each row has the corresponding
date of app submission. Column O is titled "Application Approved" and, for
each one, it gives the date approved. I am looking for the % of Apps
approved from those applied for. I can do the formula manually, but, since
the data changes daily as more apps are approved, and since this is such a
large spread sheet, it would be much easier if there is a formula.

The project is broken down into 3 phases (a business merger). After
separating the phases, to find the data in phase 1, I went to the bottom of
Column N and counted the number of cells that contained data. Next, I did
the same for O. There were 378 Applications submitted, and 374 approved, so
374/378=99%. Again, I could do this manually, but would rather not if I
could avoid it.

If it means anything, the spread sheet is set up on a pivot table/chart. I
was given the file after it was created, and asked to generate a summary
report, but after seeing the number of submissions (807 in all), I hoped to
find help. Even if you just tell me how to add the total cells containing
data in each column, and then I could go from there. But, I have a sheet
with 807 total entries, and I separated phase 1,2 & 3 by just inserting a
blank row to divide them. Then, I tried to use the blank row to use the
Counta and Count function, but I got some kind of error. I know you are
probably confused, but since you seem to be a whiz, maybe you have some ideas
for me. Anything you could offer would help me!!

Thanks,
Becky