Answer

Consolidating duplicates in Excel means combining multiple rows that share the same key value into a single row while aggregating related data using a defined method such as sum, average, count, maximum, or minimum.

How to consolidate duplicates using the Remove Duplicates feature

To consolidate duplicates using Remove Duplicates, Excel keeps one record and deletes the rest without aggregating values.

Steps

1. Select the entire data range, including headers.

2. Open the Data tab.

3. Select Remove Duplicates.

4. Select the column that defines duplication.

5. Select OK.

Result

Excel retains the first occurrence of each duplicated value and permanently deletes the remaining rows.

When to use this method

This method fits situations where duplicate rows contain identical data across all columns.

Windows and Mac differences

No functional difference exists between Windows and Mac.

How to consolidate duplicates using a PivotTable

To consolidate duplicates using a PivotTable, Excel groups identical values and aggregates numeric fields.

Steps

1. Select the data range.

2. Open the Insert tab.

3. Select PivotTable.

4. Confirm the data range and select the output location.

5. Drag the duplicate identifier column into the Rows area.

6. Drag numeric columns into the Values area.

7. Select the aggregation type for each value field.

Result

Excel produces a summarized table where each duplicate appears once with aggregated values.

When to use this method

This method fits datasets requiring flexible summaries and multiple aggregation types.

Windows and Mac differences

No functional difference exists between Windows and Mac.

How to consolidate duplicates using the Consolidate tool

To consolidate duplicates using the Consolidate tool, Excel merges ranges and applies aggregation functions based on matching labels.

Steps

1. Open the Data tab.

2. Select Consolidate.

3. Choose an aggregation function.

4. Add source ranges.

5. Enable Top row or Left column based on label position.

6. Select OK.

Result

Excel creates a new consolidated table with aggregated values.

When to use this method

This method fits by combining structured tables stored across multiple worksheets.

Windows and Mac differences

No functional difference exists between Windows and Mac.

How to consolidate duplicates using Power Query

To consolidate duplicates using Power Query, Excel transforms data using grouping rules.

Steps

1. Select the data range.

2. Open the Data tab.

3. Select From Table/Range.

4. Confirm headers.

5. Select the duplicate identifier column.

6. Select Group By.

7. Choose aggregation rules.

8. Select Close & Load.

Result

Excel outputs a new table where duplicates are grouped and aggregated.

When to use this method

This method fits large datasets, recurring updates, and automation requirements.

Windows and Mac differences

Power Query is fully supported on Windows. Mac supports Power Query with limited transformation features, depending on the version.

Which method consolidates duplicates without data loss?

Yes. PivotTable and Power Query consolidate duplicates without deleting source data.

Which method permanently removes duplicate rows?

Yes. Remove Duplicates permanently deletes rows from the selected range.

What determines the best consolidation method?

The best method depends on data size, update frequency, aggregation needs, and requirement to preserve original records.

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