Given the vast number of rows in modern spreadsheets, it is nearly impossible for individuals to visually or manually identify duplicate values or rows in Excel. Excel, a cornerstone of data analysis and organisation, can sometimes become a victim of its own success. As we compile information from various sources and build complex spreadsheets, duplicate entries can creep in, compromising data integrity and hindering our work.
We will always have an incorrect understanding, and our analysis will be inaccurate unless we eliminate the duplicates. It is crucial to carefully remove any duplicate data from your Excel spreadsheet before starting data analysis. Fortunately, Excel offers a robust set of tools to quickly and efficiently identify and remove these unwanted duplicates.
In this article on how to find duplicates in Excel and how to remove duplicates in Excel Sheet, you’ll learn a couple of hidden gems of Excel features and functionality. By the end of this article, you will have learnt how to make your spreadsheets remain clean and error-free. We’ll delve into various methods, exploring their strengths and applicability for different scenarios. So, buckle up and get ready to streamline your Excel experience!
Copying and pasting data, importing information from various sources, or human error can all lead to duplicate entries. Although one duplicate may appear unimportant, the existence of duplicates in extensive datasets can result in numerous issues:
Before we learn how to remove duplicates in Excel, it’s crucial to pinpoint them. Here are a few effective strategies to identify potential duplicates in your Excel spreadsheet:
This built-in feature provides a visual aid to help users spot duplicate entries quickly. Select the data range you suspect might contain duplicates. Go to the “Home” section and select “Conditional Formatting.” Select “Highlight Cells Rules” followed by “Duplicate Values.” This feature assigns different colours to duplicate entries to help users spot them quickly.
This powerful tool allows for filtering data based on specific criteria. Select your data range and navigate to the “Data” tab. Select “Advanced” located within the “Sort & Filter” category. In the “Criteria range” section, input a formula such as =A1:A100<>“” (substitute A1:A100 with the applicable data range). This equation chooses every cell within the specified range that is not empty. By checking “Copy to another location,” you can create a duplicate-free copy of your data.
Read about: 15 Excel Tips You Should Definitely Master in 2024
Excel’s integrated feature for “Removing Duplicates” offers a simplified method to get rid of unwanted duplicates. Here is how to make use of it:
Pro Tip: Remember that “Remove Duplicates” considers entire rows for duplication. If your duplicates only exist within specific cells, you’ll need alternative methods.
For more complex scenarios, Excel offers additional approaches to tackle stubborn duplicates:
In the Advanced Filter, you have the ability to utilise formulas in the “Criteria range” section. To illustrate, if you want to eliminate duplicate entries by considering multiple columns (such as Name and ID), you can utilise a formula such as =AND(A1:A100=B1:B100, C1:C100<>””) (adjust the ranges as needed). This equation detects rows with matching Name and ID, while making sure the “City” column (C) is not empty, so that distinct entries with the same name and ID but different city details are not mistakenly removed.
VBA offers advanced scripting capabilities to automate duplicate removal for intricate situations. This technique demands a certain level of programming expertise, but offers opportunities for personalised solutions.
Having a variety of methods available on how to remove duplicates in Excel, the issue is deciding on the most effective technique. Here is a detailed analysis to assist you in making a wise decision:
Eliminating duplicates in your Excel spreadsheets offers a multitude of advantages:
Let’s go through a real-life example to enhance your grasp of removing duplicates in Excel. Picture having a spreadsheet with customer details, with duplicate entries because of mistakes in data input. Here’s the method for tidying it up:
Identify Duplicates:
Choose the Removal Method:
Remove Duplicates:
Verify and Finalise:
Here are some additional points to keep in mind when dealing with duplicates in Excel:
Duplicating entries is a common challenge in Excel, but with the knowledge and tools provided here, you’re well-equipped to conquer them effectively. Do you wish to know more about Excel? Join the Accelerator Program in Business Analytics & Data Science and unlock your potential as a future-focused Data Analyst.
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