Answer

Removing duplicate entries in Excel means deleting repeated records while keeping one unique instance of each value or record.

How to remove duplicate entries using the Remove Duplicates tool

To remove duplicate entries in Excel, use the built-in Remove Duplicates feature designed for structured data cleaning.

Steps

1. Select any cell within the data range.

2. Open the Data tab on the Ribbon.

3. Click Remove Duplicates in the Data Tools group.

4. Select the columns that define duplication.

5. Click OK.

6. Review the confirmation dialog that shows the number of values removed and remaining.

7. Click OK to apply changes.

Windows and Mac differences

The feature location and behavior are identical on Windows and Mac. Keyboard shortcuts differ because system-level keys are different.

How to remove duplicate entries from a single column

To remove duplicate entries from one column, select that column and run the Remove Duplicates tool using only that column.

Steps

1. Select the target column.

2. Open the Data tab.

3. Click Remove Duplicates.

4. Keep the column checked and uncheck all others.

5. Click OK.

How to remove duplicate rows across multiple columns

To remove duplicate rows across multiple columns, define duplicates based on combined column values.

Steps

1. Select the full data range.

2. Open the Data tab.

3. Click Remove Duplicates.

4. Select all columns that define row uniqueness.

5. Click OK.

How to remove duplicates while keeping the latest entry

To keep the latest entry, sort the data so the most recent record appears first.

Steps

1. Select the full dataset.

2. Open the Data tab.

3. Click Sort.

4. Sort by the date or time column in descending order.

5. Click OK.

6. Run Remove Duplicates using the relevant columns.

How to remove duplicates using Advanced Filter

To remove duplicates using Advanced Filter, extract unique records to the same location.

Steps

1. Select the data range.

2. Open 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.

How to identify duplicates before removing them

To identify duplicates, apply Conditional Formatting to highlight repeated values.

Steps

1. Select the target range.

2. Open the Home tab.

3. Click Conditional Formatting.

4. Select Highlight Cells Rules.

5. Click Duplicate Values.

6. Choose a formatting style.

7. Click OK.

How to remove duplicates using formulas

To remove duplicates using formulas, create a helper column that flags repeated values.

Formula 

=COUNTIF(A:A,A1)>1

This formula returns TRUE for duplicate values and FALSE for unique values.

Steps

1. Insert a helper column.

2. Enter the formula in the first row.

3. Fill the formula down.

4. Filter the column for TRUE.

5. Delete the filtered rows.

Does Excel automatically prevent duplicate entries?

No. Excel allows duplicate entries by default unless data validation rules are applied.

How to prevent duplicates after removal

To prevent duplicates, apply Data Validation rules to restrict repeated values.

Steps

1. Select the target column.

2. Open the Data tab.

3. Click Data Validation.

4. Select Custom under Allow.

5. Enter the formula: 

   =COUNTIF(A:A,A1)=1

6. Click OK.

Are the duplicates permanently deleted?

Yes. Removed duplicates are permanently deleted unless Undo is used immediately.

Best practices for removing duplicates

1. Back up the worksheet before deletion.

2. Sort data intentionally before removal.

3. Define duplication using business rules.

4. Use highlighting to verify duplicates visually.

5. Apply validation rules to maintain data integrity.

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