In this article, we have explained how to find duplicates in Google Sheets. We also explain how to remove duplicates in Google Sheets, how to manage and highlight them and we also share duplicate formula in Google Sheets.
Managing data in Google Sheets would be difficult when we are dealing with large datasets. One common difficulty is finding duplicate values which can distort our analysis, lead to errors or clutter our work. In this article, we will explore how to find duplicates in Google Sheets. How to highlight them for easier visibility and remove them for data accuracy.
How to Find Duplicate Values in Google Sheets?
Google Sheets offer multiple ways to find and manage duplicate values, whether you are handling customer lists, sales data, or any other large datasets. Hence, Knowing how to find duplicate values in Google Sheets is essential.
Google Sheets Built-in-Tools to find Duplicates
The simplest way to find duplicates in Google Sheets is by using the Google Sheets duplicate formula.
You can use the COUNTIF function to do it. Here are the steps:
- Select the range where you want to find the duplicates.
- Use the formula =COUNTIF(A:A, A2), assuming that your data is in A column. This formula checks how many times a value appears in the list and if it is greater than 1 then it means the value appears more than 1 time.
This method helps us to quickly find duplicate values in Google Sheets and manage our data accordingly.
Using Conditional Formatting to Highlight Duplicates in Google Sheets
Highlighting duplicate values makes it easier to visually spot issues present in your dataset.
Google Sheets provides a simple way to apply conditional formatting.
How to Highlight Duplicate Values?
Follow the below steps to highlight duplicates in Google Sheets:
- Select the range where you want to check for duplicates.
- Go to Format > Conditional Formatting
- In the dropdown menu under format cells if, select custom formula and enter the formula =COUNTIF(A:A, A1) > 1.
- You can change the formatting style like background color, font color to highlight the duplicate values.
Now you know how to highlight duplicate values in Google Sheets with color coding them to make the data easier to understand visually, let’s jump down to know how to remove duplicates in Google Sheets to make our data redundant free.
How to Remove Duplicates in Google Sheets?
Once you identify and highlight the duplicate entries, the next step is to remove them. Luckily, Google Sheets have a built in tool for this purpose.
Remove Duplicates with Built in Functions
Follow the below steps to remove duplicates in Google Sheets.
- Highlight the data range where you want to remove the duplicates.
- Click on Data > Data Cleanup > Remove Duplicates.
- Now you get a popup where you have to select the columns where you want to check for duplicates.
- Click on Remove Duplicates.
Using Formulas to Identify and Remove Duplicates
For those who want more control over their data like they want to identify the duplicate value but don’t want to delete them, they can use a duplicate formula in Google Sheets like COUNTIF to identify duplicates in Google Sheets without deleting them.
They can also use the =UNIQUE(A:A) formula to generate a list of unique values.
This method gives us more control over how to manage duplicates by ensuring to keep the important data.
Best Practices for Managing Duplicate Data
Below are some of the best practices to prevent and efficiently handle duplicate values in Google Sheets.
- Use conditional formatting to continuously monitor and highlight duplicate values in Google Sheets.
- Regularly check for duplicates in datasets when new data is frequently added.
- Use formulas like COUNTIF or UNIQUE to automate duplicate detection.
Knowing how to identify duplicates in Google Sheets without deleting them can save time and ensure that you maintain valuable records without errors.
