How can you remove duplicate entries in an Excel spreadsheet?

Using the "Remove Duplicates" option in the "Data" tab is the most efficient and effective method for eliminating duplicate entries within an Excel spreadsheet. This feature is specifically designed to identify and remove duplicate values across selected columns in your data set.

When you utilize this function, Excel provides a systematic way to select which columns to check for duplicates. Once you confirm your selection, Excel scans through the chosen range and removes any duplicate rows based on the specified criteria. This automated process saves time and reduces the potential for human error compared to manual deletion.

In contrast, using the "Sort" feature will only rearrange the data but won't eliminate duplicates. Manually deleting entries can be tedious and prone to missing duplicates, especially in larger datasets. The "Clear Formatting" option merely removes any formatting applied to cells and does not affect the actual data, thus it will not help in removing duplicate entries.