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How to Take Out Duplicates in Google Sheets? Easily Remove Extra Rows

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Have you ever found yourself staring at a Google Sheets document, only to realize that you have duplicate entries scattered throughout? It’s a common problem, but one that can be frustrating and time-consuming to resolve. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to take out duplicates in Google Sheets, so you can focus on more important tasks.

Google Sheets is a powerful tool for data analysis and management, but it can also be a breeding ground for duplicates. Whether you’re working with a small dataset or a large one, duplicates can slow you down and make it difficult to get accurate results. That’s why it’s essential to learn how to remove duplicates in Google Sheets.

Removing duplicates in Google Sheets is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using various methods. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common techniques, including using the built-in “Remove duplicates” feature, creating a custom formula, and using Google Sheets’ powerful filtering capabilities.

Method 1: Using the Built-in “Remove Duplicates” Feature

The easiest way to remove duplicates in Google Sheets is to use the built-in “Remove duplicates” feature. This feature is available in the “Data” menu and can be accessed by following these steps:

  1. Open your Google Sheets document.
  2. Go to the “Data” menu.
  3. Click on “Remove duplicates.”

A dialog box will appear, asking you to select the range of cells you want to remove duplicates from. Select the range, and Google Sheets will automatically remove any duplicates.

The “Remove duplicates” feature is a quick and easy way to remove duplicates, but it may not be the most flexible option. For example, if you want to remove duplicates based on multiple criteria, you’ll need to use a different method.

Using the “Remove duplicates” Feature with Multiple Criteria

While the “Remove duplicates” feature is easy to use, it may not be suitable for all scenarios. If you want to remove duplicates based on multiple criteria, you’ll need to use a different method. Here’s how:

  1. Open your Google Sheets document.
  2. Go to the “Data” menu.
  3. Click on “Remove duplicates.”
  4. In the dialog box, select the range of cells you want to remove duplicates from.
  5. Click on the “Advanced” tab.
  6. Select the criteria you want to use to remove duplicates.

For example, if you want to remove duplicates based on both the “Name” and “Email” columns, select both columns in the “Advanced” tab. (See Also: How to Insert New Line in Google Sheets? Master Formatting)

Method 2: Creating a Custom Formula

Another way to remove duplicates in Google Sheets is to create a custom formula. This method is more flexible than the “Remove duplicates” feature, as you can use it to remove duplicates based on multiple criteria.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a custom formula:

  1. Open your Google Sheets document.
  2. Select the range of cells you want to remove duplicates from.
  3. Click on the “Insert” menu.
  4. Click on “Function.”
  5. Select “ArrayFormula.”
  6. Enter the following formula: `=ArrayFormula(IF(COUNTIF(A:A, A2)>1, “Duplicate”, “Unique”))`
  7. Press Enter.

This formula will create a new column that indicates whether each row is a duplicate or not. You can then use this column to remove duplicates.

Using the Custom Formula with Multiple Criteria

As mentioned earlier, the custom formula is more flexible than the “Remove duplicates” feature, as you can use it to remove duplicates based on multiple criteria. Here’s how:

  1. Open your Google Sheets document.
  2. Select the range of cells you want to remove duplicates from.
  3. Click on the “Insert” menu.
  4. Click on “Function.”
  5. Select “ArrayFormula.”
  6. Enter the following formula: `=ArrayFormula(IF((COUNTIFS(A:A, A2, B:B, B2)>1), “Duplicate”, “Unique”))`
  7. Press Enter.

This formula will create a new column that indicates whether each row is a duplicate or not, based on both the “Name” and “Email” columns.

Method 3: Using Google Sheets’ Filtering Capabilities

Google Sheets’ filtering capabilities are another way to remove duplicates. This method is more flexible than the “Remove duplicates” feature, as you can use it to remove duplicates based on multiple criteria.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using Google Sheets’ filtering capabilities: (See Also: How to Color Duplicates in Google Sheets? Easily Spot Them)

  1. Open your Google Sheets document.
  2. Select the range of cells you want to remove duplicates from.
  3. Go to the “Data” menu.
  4. Click on “Filter views.”
  5. Click on “Create a new filter view.”
  6. Select the criteria you want to use to remove duplicates.
  7. Click on the “Apply” button.

Google Sheets will automatically remove any duplicates based on the selected criteria.

Using Google Sheets’ Filtering Capabilities with Multiple Criteria

As mentioned earlier, Google Sheets’ filtering capabilities are more flexible than the “Remove duplicates” feature, as you can use it to remove duplicates based on multiple criteria. Here’s how:

  1. Open your Google Sheets document.
  2. Select the range of cells you want to remove duplicates from.
  3. Go to the “Data” menu.
  4. Click on “Filter views.”
  5. Click on “Create a new filter view.”
  6. Select the criteria you want to use to remove duplicates.
  7. Click on the “Apply” button.
  8. Click on the “Filter views” menu again.
  9. Click on “Save current filter view as a new view.”

Google Sheets will automatically save a new filter view that removes duplicates based on the selected criteria.

Recap

Removing duplicates in Google Sheets is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using various methods. In this guide, we’ve covered the most common techniques, including using the built-in “Remove duplicates” feature, creating a custom formula, and using Google Sheets’ filtering capabilities.

Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best approach will depend on your specific needs and requirements.

Here are the key points to remember:

  1. The “Remove duplicates” feature is a quick and easy way to remove duplicates, but it may not be the most flexible option.
  2. The custom formula is more flexible than the “Remove duplicates” feature, as you can use it to remove duplicates based on multiple criteria.
  3. Google Sheets’ filtering capabilities are another way to remove duplicates, and they offer more flexibility than the “Remove duplicates” feature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I remove duplicates in Google Sheets?

A: You can remove duplicates in Google Sheets using the built-in “Remove duplicates” feature, creating a custom formula, or using Google Sheets’ filtering capabilities.

Q: Can I remove duplicates based on multiple criteria?

A: Yes, you can remove duplicates based on multiple criteria using the custom formula or Google Sheets’ filtering capabilities.

Q: How do I use the custom formula to remove duplicates?

A: To use the custom formula to remove duplicates, select the range of cells you want to remove duplicates from, click on the “Insert” menu, and select “Function.” Then, enter the following formula: `=ArrayFormula(IF(COUNTIF(A:A, A2)>1, “Duplicate”, “Unique”))`

Q: How do I use Google Sheets’ filtering capabilities to remove duplicates?

A: To use Google Sheets’ filtering capabilities to remove duplicates, select the range of cells you want to remove duplicates from, go to the “Data” menu, and click on “Filter views.” Then, select the criteria you want to use to remove duplicates and click on the “Apply” button.

See Also:

Q: Can I save a filter view as a new view?

A: Yes, you can save a filter view as a new view by clicking on the “Filter views” menu, clicking on “Save current filter view as a new view,” and selecting the criteria you want to use to remove duplicates.

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