How to Find and Remove Duplicates in Google Sheets

Do you have a Google Sheets spreadsheet filled with data and are concerned about duplicate entries? You’re not alone. Duplicates can sneak in and skew your data analysis. But fear not, there is a solution!

This tutorial will guide you through simple steps to find and remove these duplicates. Whether they are caused by duplicate entries or a simple confusion, we will help you clean up your sheet quickly and efficiently.

Let’s dive right in and make your Google Sheets duplicate-free, ensuring that your data is as accurate as possible.

Finding Duplicates in Google Sheets

To find duplicates in your dataset, highlight them using conditional formatting and custom formulas in Google Sheets. This method works for single columns as well as multiple ones, allowing you to quickly spot and address duplicate entries.

Highlighting Duplicates in a Single Column in Google Sheets

If you have duplicate data in a single column, use this method to quickly highlight them in Google Sheets:

1. Select the column or highlight the range of data you want to check for duplicates. Click Format in the menu, then choose Conditional formatting from the dropdown menu.
2. In the Conditional formatting sidebar, under “Format cells if,” select Custom formula is.
3. Enter the formula =COUNTIF(A:A, A2)>1, replacing A:A with the selected column range.
4. Choose a formatting style for the duplicates (such as a specific fill color).
5. Click Done. The duplicates in your selected column or range will now be highlighted.

Highlighting Duplicates in Multiple Rows or Columns in Google Sheets

To highlight duplicates in multiple rows or columns in Google Sheets, follow these steps:

1. Select the range of cells where you want to check for duplicates.
2. Click Format, then choose Conditional formatting.
3. In the Conditional formatting sidebar, select Custom formula is under “Format cells if.”
4. Enter the formula =COUNTIF($A$2:$C$6, A2)>1 (adjust the range $A$2:$C$6 based on your data).
5. Choose a formatting style to highlight the duplicates.
6. Click Done. This will highlight the duplicates in the selected rows and columns.

Removing Duplicates in Google Sheets

To remove duplicates in Google Sheets without manual verification, follow these simple steps:

1. Select the range of data or the entire sheet where you want to remove duplicates.
2. Click Data in the menu.
3. Choose Remove duplicates.
4. A dialog box will appear. Here, you can select the columns to check for duplicates.
5. Click Remove duplicates.
6. A confirmation message will display the number of duplicates removed and the number of remaining rows. Click OK.

This method is quick and efficient for cleaning up your sheets.

Finding Unique Values in Google Sheets

To find unique values in Google Sheets, follow these steps:

1. Select the cell where you want to start the list of unique values.
2. Enter the formula =UNIQUE(range). Replace “range” with the range of cells you are analyzing.
3. Press Enter.

The UNIQUE function will automatically extract and list all the unique values from the specified range, allowing you to view and analyze them separately from the duplicates.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we have covered effective methods for managing duplicates in Google Sheets, from highlighting and removing duplicates to filtering and counting. With these tools, you can ensure that your data remains accurate and clean. Use these techniques to enhance your data management skills in Google Sheets.

For more helpful tips and tricks, visit Crawlan.com. Happy Google Sheets cleaning!