Formula Generator | Excel

Excel Duplicate Detection

This explanation provides a succinct formula in Excel to identify duplicates in a massive dataset across multiple columns. The formula uses functions like COUNTIF, SUMPRODUCT, and SUM to count occurrences, check for duplicates, and provide a final


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Prompt

How do I design a formula to identify duplicates in a massive dataset across multiple columns?

Answer

To identify duplicates in a massive dataset across multiple columns in Excel, you can use a combination of functions such as COUNTIF, SUMPRODUCT, and SUM. Here's a succinct formula to accomplish this:

=IF(SUMPRODUCT((COUNTIF(A1:C1,A1:C1)>1)*1)>0,"Duplicate","Unique")

Explanation:

  1. The COUNTIF function is used to count the occurrences of each value in the range A1:C1.
  2. The >1 comparison checks if the count of any value is greater than 1.
  3. This comparison is multiplied by 1 to convert the logical TRUE/FALSE values to 1s and 0s.
  4. The SUMPRODUCT function then sums up all the 1s and 0s.
  5. If the sum is greater than 0, it means there are duplicates, so the formula returns "Duplicate". Otherwise, it returns "Unique".

Example: Let's say you have a dataset in cells A1 to C5. Enter the formula in cell D1 and drag it down to apply it to the entire dataset. The formula will identify duplicates across all three columns and display "Duplicate" for duplicate values and "Unique" for unique values.

This formula is a concise way to identify duplicates in a massive dataset across multiple columns in Excel.

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Description

This explanation provides a succinct formula in Excel to identify duplicates in a massive dataset across multiple columns. The formula uses functions like COUNTIF, SUMPRODUCT, and SUM to count occurrences, check for duplicates, and provide a final assessment of "Duplicate" or "Unique" based on the dataset. An example is also given to showcase how the formula can be utilized. This formula offers an efficient and concise method for duplicate detection in Excel.