How to remove duplicate records or create list of unique records in Excel (262277)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Office Excel 2003
  • Microsoft Excel 2002
  • Microsoft Excel 2000
  • Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows
  • Microsoft Excel 2004 for Mac
  • Microsoft Excel X for Mac
  • Microsoft Excel 2001 for Mac
  • Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition
This article was previously published under Q262277

SUMMARY

When Microsoft Excel imports or combines many records, it may create duplicates. This article describes how to create a compiled list of unique records.

MORE INFORMATION

To create a compiled list of unique records, follow these steps:
  1. Select the column titles above rows or records that you want to sort.
  2. On the Data menu, point to Filter, and then click Advanced Filter. If you are prompted as follows, click OK.

    No headers detected. Assume top row of selection is header row?

  3. Under Action, click Copy to another location.
  4. Click to select the Unique records only check box.
  5. In the List range box, type or select the range of records (such as A3:H10).
  6. In the Criteria range box, type or select the same range of records (that is, A3:H10)
  7. In the Copy to box, type the address of or select the first cell where you want the information to be placed. Make sure there is enough room so you don't overwrite pre-existing data.

    Note You can only do this in the active sheet.
  8. Click OK.
Notes

If the first record of original data is duplicated, it appears twice in the new list. Just hide the first line.

If you perform the Advanced Filter command in-place, the sheet still contains all records. Duplicate records are hidden. To work around this behavior, point to Rows on the Format menu, and then click Unhide.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/16/2005
Keywords:kbhowto KB262277
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