How to Compare Two Branches in Github

March 29, 2026·2 min read

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Here's how to compare two branches in GitHub

Go to your GitHub repository that contains the branches you want to compare.
Locate and click on the 'Compare & pull request' button in the repository interface.
Use the branch dropdown menus to select your desired base and compare branches.
Set the 'base' branch as the target branch you want to compare against.
Choose the 'compare' branch as the source branch containing the changes you want to review.
Review the generated comparison showing commits, file changes, and differences between your selected branches.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the base branch and compare branch in GitHub?

The base branch is your reference point or target branch that you're comparing against, while the compare branch contains the changes you want to review. Think of the base as 'what you have' and compare as 'what you want to add or change.'

Can I compare branches from different repositories in GitHub?

Yes, you can compare branches across different repositories as long as one is a fork of the other. GitHub allows cross-repository comparisons when there's a fork relationship between the repositories.

What information does GitHub show when comparing branches?

GitHub displays a comprehensive view including the number of commits, files changed, additions and deletions in green and red highlighting. You can also see the detailed diff for each file showing exactly what lines were modified, added, or removed.

How to Compare Two Branches in Github

Here's how to compare two branches in GitHub

Frequently Asked Questions

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