excel columns - check for duplicates

[northo]

hello,

First time user so sorry if this is a dumb question.

I have an excel sheet with 50 columns and 50 rows. Each cell has 3 initials in it. The initials represent a person on a timetable.

The problem I have is that each set of initials can only appear in each column once. i need to check this. If the initials appear twice then that person has to be in 2 places at the same time.

Is there an easy way to check each column and make sure that initils dont appear twice in a column ?

Northo

[NBVC]

The best bet would be to use Conditional Formatting to highlight the duplicates in each column.

First select the entire table.

Go to Format|Conditional Formatting
Select Formula Is from 1st drop down and enter formula:

=COUNTIF(A$1:A$50,A1)>1

where A1:A50 is first column of Data and A1 is top most cell in that column.

Click Format and select a colour from the Pattern tab.

Click Ok

Click Ok again..

Duplicates within each column should be highlighted.

[Raiby]

Hi

With Excel 2007, Format|Conditional Formatting/Highlight Cells Rules/Duplicate Values

[shaila]

I had a similar Problem

Please Login or Register  to view this content.

[royUK]

Shaila, please take the time to read the Forum Rules and be sure to use Code Tags in future.