Answer

To hide duplicates except one in Excel, use sorting, helper columns, filtering, or conditional formatting to keep the first occurrence visible while hiding repeated values.

Method 1: Using a Helper Column and Filter (Most Reliable)

What does this method do?

This method marks the first occurrence of each value and hides every repeated entry using Excel’s built-in Filter feature.

Steps

1. Select an empty column next to the data column.

2. Enter a formula that identifies duplicates starting from the second occurrence.

3. Fill the formula down the column.

4. Apply a filter to hide duplicate rows.

5. Keep only the first occurrence visible.

Result

Only one instance of each duplicated value remains visible. All repeated values become hidden, not deleted.

Why this method works

Excel evaluates rows sequentially from top to bottom. The first appearance remains unflagged, while subsequent matches are identified and filtered out.

Method 2: Using Conditional Formatting and Filter

What does this method do?

This method visually flags duplicate values, then hides them using filters.

Steps

1. Select the data range.

2. Open Conditional Formatting → Highlight Cells Rules → Duplicate Values.

3. Choose a visible format.

4. Apply a filter to the column.

5. Filter by color to hide highlighted duplicates.

Limitations

Conditional Formatting highlights all duplicates, including the first instance. Manual sorting is required to keep one visible.

Method 3: Sorting and Removing Visual Duplicates

What does this method do?

This method relies on sorting to group duplicates, then manually hiding rows.

Steps

1. Sort the column in ascending or descending order.

2. Identify grouped duplicate values.

3. Hide rows containing repeated entries except the first one.

Use case

This approach works best for small datasets and quick reviews.

Method 4: Advanced Filter with Unique Records

What does this method do?

This method extracts unique values while keeping the original data unchanged.

Steps

1. Select the data range.

2. Open Data → Advanced Filter.

3. Choose “Filter the list, in-place.”

4. Enable “Unique records only.”

5. Confirm the selection.

Result

Excel hides all duplicate entries and leaves one instance of each value visible.

Windows and Mac Differences

Filtering

Filtering works identically on Windows and Mac.

Advanced Filter

Advanced Filter exists on Windows. Mac versions show limited access depending on the Excel version.

Conditional Formatting

Conditional Formatting behavior remains consistent across both platforms.

Best Practice Recommendation

Use a helper column with filtering for large datasets. This method provides full control, preserves data integrity, and allows easy reversal without data loss.

Common Errors to Avoid

1. Hiding rows instead of filtering, which complicates data recovery.

2. Removing duplicates instead of hiding them.

3. Applying filters before sorting, which produces inconsistent results.

4. Using conditional formatting without understanding that first occurrences are highlighted.

Data Integrity and Accuracy

Hidden duplicates remain part of the dataset. Calculations, pivot tables, and formulas continue to reference hidden rows unless filters are applied. This behavior preserves analytical accuracy.

Excel Performance Considerations

Filtering scales efficiently beyond 100,000 rows. Manual hiding reduces performance by over 30% on large worksheets. Helper columns increase recalculation efficiency and reduce visual clutter.

Conclusion

Hiding duplicates except one in Excel requires identification, isolation, and filtering. Helper columns combined with filters deliver the highest accuracy, control, and scalability while preserving original data.

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