Answer

To delete duplicate values in Excel, use the built-in Remove Duplicates feature to permanently keep one unique entry and delete the rest based on selected columns.

Method 1: Remove duplicates using the built-in tool (recommended)

1. Select the range of cells that contains the duplicate values.

2. Select the Data tab on the ribbon.

3. Select Remove Duplicates.

4. Choose the columns Excel should evaluate for duplicates.

5. Select OK.

6. Review the confirmation dialog that reports how many duplicates were removed and how many unique values remain.

This method deletes duplicate rows at the data level and preserves one occurrence of each value. The first occurrence, based on row order, remains.

Method 2: Remove duplicates from a single column only

1. Select one column that contains duplicate values.

2. Select the Data tab.

3. Select Remove Duplicates.

4. Keep only the selected column checked.

5. Select OK.

This approach deletes rows where the selected column repeats, even when other columns contain different data.

Method 3: Remove duplicates after sorting (order-controlled deletion)

1. Select the full data range.

2. Select Data.

3. Select Sort.

4. Choose the column used to identify duplicates.

5. Select a sort order that defines which entry should remain.

6. Select Remove Duplicates.

7. Confirm the target column.

8. Select OK.

Sorting first gives control over which duplicate entry Excel keeps.

Method 4: Remove duplicates using Advanced Filter (non-destructive option)

1. Select the data range.

2. Select the Data tab.

3. Select Advanced in the Sort & Filter group.

4. Choose Copy to another location.

5. Check Unique records only.

6. Choose a destination range.

7. Select OK.

This method creates a clean list of unique values without deleting the original data.

Method 5: Remove duplicates using Conditional Formatting for manual review

1. Select the data range.

2. Select Home.

3. Select Conditional Formatting.

4. Select Highlight Cells Rules.

5. Select Duplicate Values.

6. Apply a highlight style.

7. Manually delete the highlighted duplicate entries.

This method supports visual validation before deletion.

What happens to formulas and formatting when duplicates are deleted?

Formulas and formatting remain unchanged for the rows that stay. Deleted rows permanently remove any formulas, values, and formatting they contain.

Does Excel keep the first or last duplicate value?

Yes. Excel keeps the first occurrence based on row position. Excel deletes all later occurrences during the removal process.

Windows and Mac differences

• The Remove Duplicates command exists in the Data tab on both platforms.

• Keyboard shortcuts differ.

  • Windows commonly uses Alt-based ribbon shortcuts.

  • Mac relies on menu navigation without Alt key sequences.

• Dialog options and behavior remain identical across platforms.

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Removing duplicates without selecting the correct columns.

2. Applying the tool to filtered data unintentionally.

3. Skipping data backup before deletion.

4. Assuming duplicates mean identical rows rather than identical values.

Best practices for accuracy

1. Convert the range to a Table to ensure dynamic updates.

2. Sort data before deletion when record priority matters.

3. Validate column selection in the Remove Duplicates dialog.

4. Save a copy of the file before performing permanent deletions.

Excel deletes duplicate values reliably when the correct column logic and sequence are applied.

Yes · 0 No · 0 Add Comment · 0

Add ·

Report