Duplicate values in Excel

  • Thread starter Thread starter Louise
  • Start date Start date
L

Louise

Hi all

is there an easy way to ask Excel to recognise duplicate
values on a worksheet? For example, I have a large
worksheet containing hundreds of entries of staff names
which is updated with new starters. However, I need to
ensure that if I/colleague try to enter a name onto the
worksheet that already exists, it will come up with an
Error message.

What is the easiest way to do this??

Thanks.

Louise
 
Hi

Data validation

An example:
You want make entries in column A unique. Select column A, activate data
validation window (Data.Validation from menu), select Custom, and enter the
formula
=(COUNTIF(A:A,A1)<2)
Set behaviour for case the condition will be false, and error message. Press
OK.

Now, whenever you enter something, which was entered into some other cell in
column A before, you get an error message, and you are given the opportunity
to retype the entry, ot to cancel.
 
Select the entire sheet or column whereever the name would be entered by
you/colleague
Using Data Validation select custom from drop down and type the following
==COUNTIF($A:$Z,A1)=1
This will give an error message whenever same name is entered more than
once.
 
Excellent!

Thanks very much.

Louise
-----Original Message-----
Hi

Data validation

An example:
You want make entries in column A unique. Select column A, activate data
validation window (Data.Validation from menu), select Custom, and enter the
formula
=(COUNTIF(A:A,A1)<2)
Set behaviour for case the condition will be false, and error message. Press
OK.

Now, whenever you enter something, which was entered into some other cell in
column A before, you get an error message, and you are given the opportunity
to retype the entry, ot to cancel.


--
Arvi Laanemets
(When sending e-mail, use address arvil<At>tarkon.ee)






.
 

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