How can you remove duplicates from a dataset in Excel?

The process of removing duplicates from a dataset in Excel is most effectively done by selecting the data range you want to clean, navigating to the Data tab on the Ribbon, and then clicking on the Remove Duplicates option. This feature specifically allows you to choose which columns to check for duplicates, making it a comprehensive solution for managing datasets.

When you do this, Excel scans the selected range for duplicate entries based on the criteria you specify and removes any duplicates, leaving only unique records. This method is direct and utilizes built-in functionality designed specifically for this purpose, ensuring that the operation is efficient and user-friendly.

Other approaches, such as right-clicking data to remove duplicates or using the Filter function, may not provide the same ease of use or effectiveness in identifying and removing duplicates across various columns. The Clear function found in the Home tab is not intended for removing duplicates; rather, it is used to delete cell content or formats. Thus, the option to remove duplicates through the Data tab is the most accurate and effective choice for this task.