Answer

To delete duplicate values in Excel, use the built-in Remove Duplicates feature, which permanently deletes repeated entries based on selected columns while keeping the first occurrence.

Method 1: Remove Duplicates Using the Ribbon

This method deletes duplicates directly from the selected range or table.

1. Select the range of cells or click any cell inside the table.

2. Open the Data tab on the ribbon.

3. Click Remove Duplicates in the Data Tools group.

4. Check the columns Excel should evaluate for duplicates.

5. Click OK.

6. Review the confirmation dialog showing how many duplicate values were removed.

Result: Duplicate rows are deleted, and unique values remain.

Method 2: Remove Duplicates from a Table

This method applies when data is formatted as an Excel Table.

1. Click any cell in the table.

2. Open the Table Design tab.

3. Click Remove Duplicates.

4. Select the relevant columns.

5. Click OK.

Result: Duplicate records are removed within the table structure.

Method 3: Remove Duplicates Using Advanced Filter

This method keeps the original data unchanged by copying unique values to a new location.

1. Select the data range.

2. Open the Data tab.

3. Click Advanced in the Sort & Filter group.

4. Select Copy to another location.

5. Define the destination range.

6. Check Unique records only.

7. Click OK.

Result: A clean list of unique values appears in the target location.

Does Excel keep the first duplicate value?

Yes. Excel retains the first occurrence based on the top-to-bottom order of the selected range and deletes subsequent matching entries.

Can duplicate values be removed from multiple columns at once?

Yes. Excel evaluates duplicates using all selected columns as a combined key, meaning rows are deleted only when all checked column values match.

Are there differences between Windows and Mac versions?

Yes. The command location differs slightly.

• Windows: Data tab → Data Tools → Remove Duplicates

• Mac: Data tab → Data Tools → Remove Duplicates

The behavior, results, and confirmation dialogs remain consistent across both platforms.

Will removing duplicates affect formulas or formatting?

Yes. Deleted rows remove any formulas, values, and formatting contained in those rows, while remaining cells keep their original structure.

Best Practices When Deleting Duplicates

1. Create a backup copy of the worksheet before deletion.

2. Confirm column selection matches the uniqueness requirement.

3. Sort data logically before removal to control which duplicate is preserved.

4. Use Advanced Filter when original data must remain unchanged.

Yes · 0 No · 0 Add Comment · 0

Add ·

Report