How to Keep Only Duplicates in Excel
Want to manage your Excel data more effectively by isolating duplicates? In just a few steps, you can quickly filter out and keep only the duplicated entries in your Excel sheets. Below, we’ll break down this process into an easy-to-follow guide.
How to Keep Only Duplicates in Excel
We’ll walk through a series of steps to help you isolate and keep only the duplicate entries in your Excel spreadsheet. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear and concise dataset that shows only the duplicated values.
Step 1: Open Your Excel Spreadsheet
The first step is simple: open the Excel spreadsheet that contains the data you want to work with.
Make sure your data is well-organized. It’s helpful if your data is in a single column or a contiguous range, as this will make it easier to identify duplicates.
Step 2: Select Your Data
Next, select the range of cells that you want to check for duplicates.
Click and drag your mouse over the cells, or use the Shift and arrow keys to select the range. Be sure not to include headers if you have them.
Step 3: Go to the Data Tab
Navigate to the "Data" tab located on the Excel ribbon at the top of the screen.
This tab contains many useful tools for managing and analyzing your data, including the "Remove Duplicates" feature we’ll be using in a moment.
Step 4: Click on "Remove Duplicates"
Click on the "Remove Duplicates" button in the Data Tools group.
A dialog box will pop up. Although it’s labeled "Remove Duplicates," we’re going to use this tool to find and keep only the duplicates.
Step 5: Configure the Remove Duplicates Dialog Box
In the dialog box, select the columns you want to check for duplicates and click OK.
For a single-column selection, it will be straightforward. For multi-column ranges, ensure you select the appropriate columns to compare.
Step 6: Filter by Color
After removing the unique values, Excel will highlight duplicates. Use the "Filter by Color" feature to isolate them.
Click the filter drop-down arrow, choose Filter by Color, and select the color used to highlight duplicates.
Step 7: Copy and Paste Duplicates
Finally, copy the filtered duplicates to a new location on your spreadsheet.
Right-click the selected area, choose Copy, and then paste the duplicates into a new column or sheet.
After following these steps, your Excel spreadsheet will show only the duplicate entries, allowing for more focused data analysis.
Tips for How to Keep Only Duplicates in Excel
- Always make a backup of your data before making changes.
- Use Conditional Formatting to highlight duplicates before removing them.
- Familiarize yourself with Excel’s various data management tools to streamline this process.
- Practice on a small dataset before applying these steps to larger ones.
- Remember that Excel’s "Remove Duplicates" is case-sensitive. Ensure consistency in your data entries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I highlight duplicates in Excel?
You can use Conditional Formatting to highlight duplicates. Go to Home > Conditional Formatting > Highlight Cells Rules > Duplicate Values.
Can I only identify duplicates across multiple columns?
Yes, in the Remove Duplicates dialog box, you can select multiple columns to check for duplicates.
What if my data has headers?
Simply uncheck the “My data has headers” box in the Remove Duplicates dialog box to exclude them from your selection.
Is there a way to automate this process?
Yes, you can use macros or Excel VBA scripts to automate duplicate identification and isolation.
Can I keep duplicates without changing the original order of data?
Yes, by copying duplicates to a new sheet or column, you can maintain the original order of your data.
Summary of How to Keep Only Duplicates in Excel
- Open your Excel spreadsheet.
- Select your data.
- Go to the Data tab.
- Click on "Remove Duplicates."
- Configure the dialog box.
- Filter by color.
- Copy and paste duplicates.
Conclusion
Isolating and keeping only duplicates in Excel may seem daunting, but by following these steps, you’ll master it in no time. From opening your spreadsheet to copying duplicates, each action contributes to a cleaner, more manageable dataset.
If you’re interested in more Excel tips and tricks, consider exploring Conditional Formatting, PivotTables, or even Excel VBA for automating repetitive tasks. For now, give this method a try and see how much easier data management can become.
So, go ahead and dive into your Excel sheets. Eliminate the chaos and bring clarity to your data by keeping just the duplicates. Your future self, knee-deep in data, will thank you!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.