Answer

To hide duplicate cells in Excel, use Conditional Formatting with a custom number format or apply filtering methods that display unique values while keeping all data intact.

Method 1: Hide Duplicate Values Using Conditional Formatting (Recommended)

This method hides duplicate values visually without deleting or changing the data.

Steps

1. Select the range of cells that contains duplicates.

2. Go to the Home tab.

3. Click Conditional Formatting.

4. Select New Rule.

5. Choose Use a formula to determine which cells to format.

6. Enter the formula below, assuming the first cell in the range is A1.

   =COUNTIF($A$1:$A$100,A1)>1

7. Click Format.

8. Open the Number tab.

9. Select Custom.

10. Enter the format shown below.

    ;;;

11. Click OK.

12. Click OK again.

Result

Duplicate values become invisible while unique values remain visible. The data structure stays unchanged.

Why this works

The formula identifies repeated values. The custom format hides the displayed content while keeping the actual value stored in the cell.

Method 2: Hide Duplicates Using Advanced Filtering

This method temporarily hides duplicate rows by showing unique values.

Steps

1. Select the column or data range.

2. Go to the Data tab.

3. Click Advanced in the Sort & Filter group.

4. Select Filter the list, in-place.

5. Check Unique records only.

6. Click OK.

Result

Unique values remain visible. Duplicate rows are hidden until the filter is cleared.

Method 3: Hide Duplicates Using a Helper Column

This method provides visibility control using logical results.

Steps

1. Insert a new column next to the data.

2. Enter the formula below in the helper column, assuming data starts in A1. 

   =COUNTIF($A$1:$A$100,A1)

3. Copy the formula down.

4. Apply a filter to the helper column.

5. Filter values greater than 1.

Result

Rows containing duplicates are hidden using filtering logic while original values remain unchanged.

Windows and Mac Differences

• Conditional Formatting steps and formulas are identical.

• Advanced Filter is available on both platforms, though the dialog placement differs slightly in the Data tab.

• Custom number formats behave the same on both systems.

Key Notes for Accuracy and Control

1. Conditional Formatting provides the most flexible and reversible method.

2. Filtering methods hide entire rows, not individual cells.

3. Custom number formatting hides display values without altering formulas or calculations.

4. Clearing formatting restores all hidden duplicates instantly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Remove Duplicates when hiding is required.

2. Applying formulas without absolute references.

3. Formatting text color instead of using custom formats.

4. Filtering without understanding row-level visibility.

When to Use Each Method

• Conditional Formatting works best for dashboards and reports.

• Advanced Filtering suits data review and auditing.

• Helper columns support complex logic and repeatable workflows.

Each method preserves data integrity while controlling visibility based on duplication logic.

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