How to Use UNIQUE Function in Excel

If you’re looking for a way to extract unique values from a list or a range in Excel, then you should definitely try the UNIQUE function. Using this function can help you save time and tedious work in removing duplicates. The UNIQUE function is available in the latest versions of Excel, and it allows you to get a list of unique values from one or more columns or rows of data. In this blog post, we will explain how to use the UNIQUE function in Excel and give you some useful tips and examples to help you make the most out of this useful tool.

Understanding UNIQUE Function in Excel

The UNIQUE function in Excel is a powerful tool for extracting unique values from lists or ranges. The function returns a vertical array of unique values based on the order in which they appear in the range. This function allows you to extract values that appear only once in a range, eliminating duplicates and making it easier to work with your data.

How to Use UNIQUE Function in Excel

Step 1: Select the Range

The first step is to select the range or column from which you want to extract the unique values. Make sure that you have a header row for your columns.

Step 2: Enter the UNIQUE Function

Next, click on the cell where you want to display the unique values. Then, enter “=UNIQUE(” followed by the range of cells you want to analyze. Make sure to enclose the range within parentheses. Press Enter to complete the formula.

Step 3: Understanding the Result

Once you hit Enter, the UNIQUE function will display a vertical array of unique values separated by a blank row. The result includes the headers from the original range. If there are multiple columns in the range, the UNIQUE function will return unique rows based on the values in all the columns.

Examples of Using UNIQUE Function in Excel

Example 1: Extract Unique Values from a Single Column

Suppose you have a list of fruits in a single column and you want to extract the unique fruits without any duplicates. Simply select the column and enter the UNIQUE function.

“`=UNIQUE(A2:A16)“`

Example 2: Extract Unique Values from Multiple Columns

Suppose you have a table with the names of employees and the departments they work in. You want to extract a list of unique departments without any duplicates. Simply select the two columns and enter the UNIQUE function.

“`=UNIQUE(A2:B16)“`

Example 3: Extract Unique Values Based on Criteria

You can also extract unique values based on certain criteria. Suppose you have a list of books and their categories, and you want to extract a list of unique categories for books that were published after 2010. In this case, you can use the FILTER function along with the UNIQUE function.

“`=UNIQUE(FILTER(B2:B16,(C2:C16>2010)))“`

Using the UNIQUE function can help you save time and improve the accuracy of your Excel spreadsheet. With the steps and examples above, you should be able to use the UNIQUE function effectively and efficiently. Happy Excel-ing!

Tips for Using UNIQUE Function in Excel

Here are some additional tips that can help you get the most out of the UNIQUE function:

1. Combine UNIQUE with other Functions

You can combine the UNIQUE function with other Excel functions such as SORT, FILTER, and COUNTIF to create powerful and versatile formulas. For instance, you can use the UNIQUE and COUNTIF functions to count the number of unique values in a range or column.

2. Use Named Ranges

Named ranges can make it easier to use the UNIQUE function, especially if you work with large or complex datasets. To create a named range, select the range you want to name, click on the “Formulas” tab, and select “Define Name.” Give the range a descriptive name that you can easily remember and use it in the UNIQUE function.

3. Custom Sorting

The UNIQUE function returns data in the order in which it appears in the range. However, you can use the SORT function to sort the output in ascending or descending order. By combining the SORT and UNIQUE functions, you can get a unique list of values that is sorted in a way that you prefer.

Benefits of Using UNIQUE Function in Excel

Here are some of the benefits of using the UNIQUE function in Excel:

1. Saves Time and Eliminates Manual Work

The UNIQUE function can save you time and effort when working with large datasets by allowing you to extract unique values without having to manually go through the data to remove duplicates.

2. Improves Accuracy

The UNIQUE function helps improve the accuracy of your data analysis by ensuring that you work with unique, non-duplicated, values. This makes it easier to identify patterns and trends in your data.

3. Versatility

The UNIQUE function is versatile and can be combined with other Excel functions to perform complex data analysis tasks, making it a powerful tool for professionals who work extensively with Excel.

The UNIQUE function in Excel is a powerful and versatile tool for data analysis that allows you to extract unique values from lists or ranges. By using this function, you can save time, eliminate manual work, improve the accuracy of your data, and perform complex analysis tasks with ease. By following the steps and tips provided in this blog post, you should be able to use the UNIQUE function effectively and efficiently.

FAQs about Using UNIQUE Function in Excel

Here are some of the common questions that people ask about using the UNIQUE function in Excel:

Q: What is the difference between the UNIQUE and the DISTINCT functions in Excel?

A: The UNIQUE function is only available in the latest versions of Excel, whereas the DISTINCT function is available in earlier versions. The UNIQUE function can extract unique values from one or more columns while preserving their order, whereas the DISTINCT function can remove duplicates but does not preserve the order of the remaining values.

Q: Can the UNIQUE function remove duplicates in a range?

A: No, the UNIQUE function cannot remove duplicates in a range. It only extracts unique values from a range or set of ranges.

Q: Can I combine the UNIQUE function with VLOOKUP?

A: Yes, you can combine the UNIQUE function with VLOOKUP to extract unique values based on specified criteria. This can be especially useful when working with large datasets in Excel.

Q: Is the UNIQUE function case-sensitive?

A: Yes, the UNIQUE function is case-sensitive, which means that it treats uppercase and lowercase letters as different values. If you want to ignore letter case, you can convert all values in the range to lowercase or uppercase before using the UNIQUE function.

Q: Can I extract unique values based on multiple columns or criteria?

A: Yes, you can extract unique values based on multiple columns or criteria by combining the UNIQUE function with other Excel functions like FILTER, SORT and COUNTIF. This makes it possible to perform complex data analysis tasks and create powerful formulas in Excel.