How to Find and Remove Duplicates in Google Sheets

Got a Google Sheets full of data and worried about duplicate entries? You're not alone.

Duplicates can sneak in and distort your data analysis. But there's a solution!

This tutorial will guide you through easy steps to find and remove those duplicates. Whether they're from double entries or just a mix-up, we'll help you clean up your sheet quickly and efficiently.

Let's dive in and make your Google Sheets duplicate-free, ensuring your data is as accurate as it can be.

How to find 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 both single and multiple columns, allowing you to quickly spot and handle duplicate entries.

How to highlight duplicates in a single column in Google Sheets

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

1. Select the column or highlight the data range you want to check for duplicates. Click on Format in the menu and then choose Conditional formatting from the dropdown menu.

2. In the Conditional Format Rules sidebar, under "Format cells if," select Custom formula is.

3. Enter the formula =COUNTIF(A:A, A2)>1, replacing A:A with your selected column's 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.

How to highlight duplicates in multiple rows or columns in Google Sheets

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

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

How to remove duplicates in Google Sheets

To remove duplicate data in Google Sheets without manual checks, follow these simple steps:

1. Select the range of data or the entire sheet where you want to remove duplicates.
2. Click on Data in the menu.
3. Choose Remove duplicates.
4. A dialogue 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 rows left. Click OK.

This method is fast and effective for cleaning up your sheets.

How to find unique values in Google Sheets

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

1. Select a cell where you want the list of unique values to begin.
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, making it easy to view and analyze them separately from any duplicates.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we've covered efficient methods to manage duplicates in Google Sheets, from highlighting and removing duplicates to filtering and counting them. With these tools, you can ensure your data remains accurate and clean. Use these techniques to enhance your data management skills in Google Sheets.