Google Sheets: Use the “Remove Duplicates” function
The easiest way to remove duplicate entries is to use the “Remove Duplicates” function integrated into Google Sheets.
- First open the document and the data sheet that you want to edit.
- Now navigate to “Data Cleansing” in the “Data” context menu and then click “Remove Duplicates”.
- Now select which columns should be taken into account. If there is a header, put a tick in the appropriate place.
- Click on "Remove Duplicates", Google Sheets works through the table independently and then shows you how many rows have been removed.
Sort out duplicates with a formula
When working with a formula, you can either delete duplicates in a single column or search the entire sheet for duplicate rows.
- Check cells in a column: First create a new worksheet using the plus symbol at the bottom left of the screen. Click in cell A1 and enter "=UNIQUE(" (without quotes, see screenshot).
- Now click on your original spreadsheet at the bottom without leaving the cell first, and then select the column you want to check for duplicates. Google Sheets will automatically include a reference to this in your command.
- Make sure to end the command with a bracket ")", then press Enter. Your data will now be transferred to the newly created spreadsheet, with duplicate entries ignored.
- Remove duplicate rows: To do this, first create a new spreadsheet using the plus symbol at the bottom left of the screen. Click in cell A1 and enter "=UNIQUE(". Now click on the bottom of your original worksheet without leaving the cell first.
- Unlike before, you now dont have to select an entire category, but rather the exact cells. Complete the command again with ")" and press Enter. Duplicate rows are not transferred to the new worksheet.
Remove duplicates via plugin
If you need more functions than the integrated duplicate removal provides and you dont want to fiddle with formulas, its best to use a plug-in.
- From the context menu, select "Extensions", then "Add-ons" and "Get add-ons".
- Search for "Remove Duplicates" and you will find numerous applications. Download them and try out which one suits you best for the specific application scenario.
- You can also start an add-on via the “Extensions” context menu.
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