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How to Find All Duplicates in Google Sheets? Effortless Solution

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When working with large datasets in Google Sheets, it’s not uncommon to encounter duplicates. Duplicates can occur due to various reasons such as manual data entry errors, data imports from other sources, or even intentional duplication for data analysis purposes. Regardless of the reason, finding and removing duplicates is a crucial step in data cleaning and preparation. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various methods to find all duplicates in Google Sheets, including the use of formulas, scripts, and add-ons.

Method 1: Using the COUNTIF Formula

The COUNTIF formula is a simple and effective way to find duplicates in Google Sheets. The formula counts the number of cells in a range that meet a specified condition. To use the COUNTIF formula to find duplicates, follow these steps:

  1. Enter the formula `=COUNTIF(A:A, A2)` in a new column, where `A:A` is the range of cells you want to check for duplicates and `A2` is the cell you want to check.
  2. Copy the formula down to the rest of the cells in the column.
  3. Filter the data to show only the rows where the count is greater than 1. This will show you all the duplicate values.

For example, if you want to find duplicates in column A, you can enter the formula `=COUNTIF(A:A, A2)` in a new column, say column B. The formula will count the number of cells in column A that match the value in cell A2. If the count is greater than 1, it means that the value in cell A2 is a duplicate.

Method 2: Using the INDEX-MATCH Formula

The INDEX-MATCH formula is another powerful formula that can be used to find duplicates in Google Sheets. The formula returns the value in a specified range that matches a specified value. To use the INDEX-MATCH formula to find duplicates, follow these steps:

  1. Enter the formula `=INDEX(A:A, MATCH(A2, A:A, 0))` in a new column, where `A:A` is the range of cells you want to check for duplicates and `A2` is the cell you want to check.
  2. Copy the formula down to the rest of the cells in the column.
  3. Filter the data to show only the rows where the value is not unique. This will show you all the duplicate values.

For example, if you want to find duplicates in column A, you can enter the formula `=INDEX(A:A, MATCH(A2, A:A, 0))` in a new column, say column B. The formula will return the value in column A that matches the value in cell A2. If the value is not unique, it means that the value in cell A2 is a duplicate.

Method 3: Using the VLOOKUP Formula

The VLOOKUP formula is another useful formula that can be used to find duplicates in Google Sheets. The formula looks up a value in a specified range and returns a value from another range. To use the VLOOKUP formula to find duplicates, follow these steps:

  1. Enter the formula `=VLOOKUP(A2, A:A, 2, FALSE)` in a new column, where `A:A` is the range of cells you want to check for duplicates and `A2` is the cell you want to check.
  2. Copy the formula down to the rest of the cells in the column.
  3. Filter the data to show only the rows where the value is not unique. This will show you all the duplicate values.

For example, if you want to find duplicates in column A, you can enter the formula `=VLOOKUP(A2, A:A, 2, FALSE)` in a new column, say column B. The formula will look up the value in cell A2 in the range A:A and return the value in the second column. If the value is not unique, it means that the value in cell A2 is a duplicate. (See Also: How to Put Text in Google Sheets? Made Easy)

Method 4: Using a Script

Google Sheets also provides a scripting feature that allows you to write custom scripts to automate tasks. To use a script to find duplicates, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Google Sheets script editor by clicking on Tools > Script editor.
  2. Write the following script:
    “`
    function findDuplicates() {
    var sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSheet();
    var range = sheet.getRange(“A:A”);
    var values = range.getValues();
    var duplicates = [];

    for (var i = 0; i < values.length; i++) { for (var j = 0; j < values[i].length; j++) { var value = values[i][j]; var count = 0; for (var k = 0; k < values.length; k++) { if (values[k].indexOf(value) != -1) { count++; } } if (count > 1) {
    duplicates.push(value);
    }
    }
    }

    return duplicates;
    }
    “`

  3. Save the script by clicking on the floppy disk icon or pressing Ctrl+S.
  4. Run the script by clicking on the run button or pressing F5.
  5. The script will return an array of duplicate values.

For example, if you want to find duplicates in column A, you can run the script and it will return an array of duplicate values in column A.

Method 5: Using an Add-on

Google Sheets also provides a range of add-ons that can be used to find duplicates. One popular add-on is the “Duplicate Remover” add-on. To use the add-on, follow these steps: (See Also: How to Make Cells not Move in Google Sheets? Freeze in Place)

  1. Open the Google Sheets add-on store by clicking on Add-ons > Get add-ons.
  2. Search for “Duplicate Remover” and install the add-on.
  3. Open the add-on by clicking on Add-ons > Duplicate Remover.
  4. Select the range of cells you want to check for duplicates.
  5. Click on the “Find duplicates” button to find all the duplicate values.

For example, if you want to find duplicates in column A, you can select the range A:A and click on the “Find duplicates” button. The add-on will return an array of duplicate values in column A.

Conclusion

Finding duplicates in Google Sheets is a crucial step in data cleaning and preparation. There are several methods to find duplicates, including using formulas, scripts, and add-ons. In this blog post, we’ve explored five different methods to find duplicates in Google Sheets. By using one or more of these methods, you can easily find and remove duplicates from your data.

Recap

Here’s a recap of the five methods to find duplicates in Google Sheets:

  • Method 1: Using the COUNTIF formula
  • Method 2: Using the INDEX-MATCH formula
  • Method 3: Using the VLOOKUP formula
  • Method 4: Using a script
  • Method 5: Using an add-on

FAQs

Q: What is the best method to find duplicates in Google Sheets?

A: The best method to find duplicates in Google Sheets depends on the size and complexity of your data. If you have a small dataset, using a formula such as COUNTIF or INDEX-MATCH may be sufficient. If you have a large dataset, using a script or add-on may be more efficient.

Q: Can I use a formula to find duplicates in a specific range?

A: Yes, you can use a formula to find duplicates in a specific range. For example, you can use the COUNTIF formula to count the number of cells in a specific range that match a specified value.

Q: Can I use a script to find duplicates in multiple sheets?

A: Yes, you can use a script to find duplicates in multiple sheets. You can modify the script to loop through multiple sheets and find duplicates in each sheet.

Q: Can I use an add-on to find duplicates in a specific range?

A: Yes, you can use an add-on to find duplicates in a specific range. For example, you can use the “Duplicate Remover” add-on to find duplicates in a specific range and remove them.

See Also:

Q: Can I use a combination of methods to find duplicates in Google Sheets?

A: Yes, you can use a combination of methods to find duplicates in Google Sheets. For example, you can use a formula to find duplicates in a specific range and then use a script or add-on to remove them.

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