How to delete duplicates in excel but keep one

Answer

To delete duplicates in Excel while keeping one instance of each value, follow these steps:

1. Select the Data Range
   Highlight the cells or columns that contain duplicate values. Ensure the selection covers all the data you want checked.

2. Go to the Data Tab
   Click on the Data tab in the Excel ribbon at the top of the screen.

3. Click Remove Duplicates
   In the Data Tools group, click Remove Duplicates.

4. Choose Columns to Check
   A dialog box appears showing all columns in your selection. Select the columns you want Excel to check for duplicates.

   • Selecting multiple columns makes Excel look for rows where all selected column values are identical.

   • Selecting a single column removes duplicates based only on that column.

5. Click OK
   Excel removes duplicate entries but keeps the first instance of each unique value.

   • A message appears showing how many duplicates were removed and how many unique values remain.

6. Check Your Data
   Verify that one instance of each unique value remains and all duplicates are deleted.

Example:
If column A contains:

Apple

Banana

Apple

Orange

Banana

After using Remove Duplicates on column A, the result will be:

Apple

Banana

Orange

Macbook Differences:

• The Data tab location and Remove Duplicates option are identical.

• Dialog box functions are the same, but the keyboard shortcuts for selection may differ slightly.

This method ensures only one occurrence of each value remains while eliminating all extra duplicates.

Do you want me to show a formula-based method for keeping one instance without deleting the original data?

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