Removing Duplicates From Microsoft Excel

Remove Duplicates compares the columns you select and keeps the first matching row. Make a copy before removing rows. Highlighting duplicates in one column is a screening step, not proof that every selected column matches.

Use Remove Duplicates to eliminate duplicate data

• DATA >> Data Tools group >> Remove Duplicates

To review potential duplicate values before removal:

1. Keep a copy of the original data. If you already removed duplicates, undo the action before reviewing.
2. Choose a column that is the most unique and use Conditional Formatting
   • HOME >> Styles group >> Conditional Formatting >> Highlight Cell Rules >> Duplicate Values
3. Highlight the data set and perform a Custom Sort to rearrange the data for easy viewing
   • DATA >> Sort & Filter group >> Sort
     • Sort by - column with conditional formatting applied
     • Sort on - cell color
     • Order - Cell color
     • On Top

Learn More About Excel

Become a Microsoft Office and Excel wizard through our Microsoft Office classes in NYC and Excel training courses. We offer small class sizes and flexible scheduling. Sign up and grow your marketability today!