How can I show which items in my current inventory are missing from the audit list?

Use a comparison result separate from both source lists. In Power Query, merge the two lists using a column that identifies the same item in each one, such as an inventory ID if both lists contain it. Set current inventory as the first, or left, query and the audit list as the second, or right, query. Choose a left-anti join: it returns rows in the first list that have no match in the second. [S1]

Treat that output as “in inventory, not matched in audit,” rather than proof that an item was physically missed. A mismatch could also come from how an identifier is recorded, so inspect the unmatched rows before drawing conclusions.

Choose a dependable identifier that appears in both lists and refers to the same items—for example, an inventory ID if both lists contain one. Power Query compares the selected columns; if you select multiple columns, their selection order matters, and corresponding columns must have the same data type. Check those settings before interpreting the comparison. [S1]

If the lists use different spellings or formats, do not assume they will match. Review a few known items in both inputs and decide on a consistent identifier or a documented cleanup step. Keep the original columns available so you can trace a questionable result back to its source.

Yes. Run a second comparison with the same two inputs and the direction reversed: put the audit list first and current inventory second, then use a left-anti join again. That result contains audit rows with no match in current inventory. Alternatively, Power Query offers a right-anti join, which returns rows in the second query without a match in the first. Keep this result separate from the inventory-only result so each list has a clear meaning. [S1]

For example, with placeholder lists named CurrentInventory and AuditList:

1. CurrentInventory left, AuditList right → inventory items not matched in the audit.
2. AuditList left, CurrentInventory right → audit items not matched in inventory.

These are comparison outputs, not edits to the input lists.

Give each output a directional name, such as “In current inventory, not matched in audit” and “In audit, not matched in current inventory.” Record which input versions and identifier columns you compared, then review the unmatched rows against the original lists. A full outer join can bring in rows from both tables, but separate directional results may be easier to review when you need two distinct lists. [S1]

A practical handoff might read:

• Comparison: [inventory file/version] against [audit file/version]
• Matching field(s): [identifier column(s)]
• Inventory-only output: [result name]
• Audit-only output: [result name]
• Review note: [items checked or questions to resolve]

The comparison identifies unmatched rows under the selected keys; it does not establish why a row is unmatched or verify physical stock. Preserve the inputs and resolve discrepancies through your normal review process.