Answer

There is no single built-in “remove duplicates” formula in Excel. Duplicates are removed by using specific functions that return only unique values from a range.

The correct formulas depend on the Excel version and the required output.

Which formula removes duplicates in modern Excel?

The UNIQUE function removes duplicates by extracting distinct values from a range.

Formula 

\text{=UNIQUE(range)}

How it works

The function scans the specified range and returns each value once. Repeated values are excluded automatically.

Key attributes

1. Preserves the original data.

2. Updates dynamically when the source data changes.

3. Works vertically or horizontally.

4. Requires Excel 365 or Excel 2021 or later.

Which formula removes duplicates while applying a condition?

The UNIQUE function combined with FILTER removes duplicates based on criteria.

Formula 

\text{=UNIQUE(FILTER(range, condition))}

How it works

The filter applies the condition first. The unique values are returned from the filtered result.

Which formula removes duplicates from multiple columns?

The UNIQUE function removes duplicate rows when applied to multiple columns.

Formula 

\text{=UNIQUE(A1:C100)}

How it works

Rows with identical values across all selected columns appear once. Partial matches are treated as unique rows.

Which formula removes duplicates in older Excel versions?

Yes. An array formula removes duplicates in versions that lack UNIQUE.

Formula 

\text{=IFERROR(INDEX(range, MATCH(0, COUNTIF($output$1:output1, range), 0)), "")}

How it works

The formula checks whether a value already exists in the output range. New values appear once. Repeated values are skipped.

Important attributes

1. Requires manual copying down.

2. Requires array entry using Ctrl + Shift + Enter on Windows.

3. Uses standard entry on MacBook.

What is different between Windows and MacBook?

There is a difference for array formulas.

1. Windows requires Ctrl + Shift + Enter for legacy array formulas.

2. MacBook uses Return for dynamic arrays.

3. UNIQUE behaves identically on both platforms.

Does Remove Duplicates use a formula?

No. Remove Duplicates is a built-in data tool, not a formula.

Key characteristics

1. Permanently deletes duplicate rows.

2. Does not update dynamically.

3. Operates directly on the source range.

Which method is recommended?

The UNIQUE Function is the correct method for accuracy, automation, and data integrity.

Yes · 0 No · 0 Add Comment · 0

Add ·

Report