To prevent duplicate entries in a range of cells, use the Data Validation feature found on the Data tab. Choose the Custom option and create a formula that tests each entry in the range to see that it appears only once in the range. If working with column P, for example, use this Data Validation formula: =COUNTIF(P:P,P1)=1.
- [Voiceover] In this worksheet…called Data Validation,…I'll be putting in some names,…I already have some ID numbers,…and I want to be sure to keep out…duplicate ID numbers.…But as you can see from this list already…there are some duplicates.…Now, one approach is simply to highlight the duplicates.…That's not going to help us keep out duplicates.…As a reminder, if you click Column B…I'm on my Home tab, go to Conditional Formatting,…Highlight Cell Rules,…Duplicate Values,…and we probably would have seen that…anyway with our eyes since the list is so short…but we see the duplicate values highlighted.…
We don't really need this feature here,…so I'll simply press escape.…We might actually want to prevent duplicate entries…from going into Column B.…Let's get rid of the data.…Now, there is a function called COUNTIF.…You might be familiar with it.…COUNTIF says, I'm looking at a certain location,…let's imagine it's going to be Column B, comma,…and I want to know how often…a certain value appears there.…Now, if I, for example right now type, b2…
Author
Dennis Taylor
Released
4/21/2016The course then dives into data entry and editing techniques, formatting and drag-and-drop tricks, keyboard shortcuts for working with formulas, data management strategies, and chart tricks. Short on time? Make sure to check out the "10 Tiny Tips" chapter for a quick productivity boost.
- Entering today's date or time instantly
- Converting formulas to values with a simple drag
- Undoing and redoing with keyboard commands
- Accessing the Ribbon from the keyboard
- Creating split screens fast
- Navigating in workbooks quickly
- Selecting noncontiguous ranges
- Entering data more efficiently
- Dragging and dropping data
- Performing calculations without formulas
- Applying formatting with keyboard shortcuts
- Using database techniques to work with Excel data
- Working with charts, shapes, and linked images
Skill Level Beginner
Duration
Views
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Introduction
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Welcome33s
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1. Top 10 Shortcuts
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Zoom in and out quickly3m 23s
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2. Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar Tips
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3. Display Shortcuts
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4. Navigation Shortcuts
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Navigate within worksheets7m 10s
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5. Selection Shortcuts
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6. Data Entry and Editing Shortcuts
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Accelerate data entry9m 54s
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Enhance editing tools3m 40s
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7. Drag and Drop Techniques
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8. Formula Shortcuts
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Create formulas rapidly6m 26s
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Use AutoSum shortcuts3m 53s
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Use rounding shortcuts5m 30s
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Generate random numbers5m 3s
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9. Operational Shortcuts
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Re-align imported text5m 44s
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10. Formatting Shortcuts
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11. Data Management Techniques
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12. Charting and Visual Object Tips
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13. Ten Tiny Tips
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Conclusion
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Goodbye33s
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Video: Ensure unique entries with data validation rules