How do I use UNIQUE Function to extract unique products from a sales database?

To extract unique products from a sales database, use the formula: =UNIQUE(B2:B50). Basic Product List This formula returns: Laptop,Mouse,Keyboard,Monitor,Headset.

Is UNIQUE Function slow with large datasets?

UNIQUE Function performance depends on data size and formula complexity. For large datasets (>10,000 rows), consider: 1) Limiting the search range instead of entire columns, 2) Using helper columns to pre-process data, 3) Sorting data when possible. AskFormulas generates optimized formulas for better performance.

What is the syntax for UNIQUE Function?

The UNIQUE Function syntax in Excel is: =UNIQUE(array, [by_col], [exactly_once]). It takes 3 parameter(s): array (required), by_col (optional), exactly_once (optional).

How do I use UNIQUE Function to find unique customer-product combinations for cross-sell analysis?

To find unique customer-product combinations for cross-sell analysis, use the formula: =UNIQUE(A2:B100). Multi-Column Unique Combinations This formula returns: John Smith,Laptop,Jane Doe,Mouse,Bob Wilson,Keyboard.

Can UNIQUE Function handle headers in Excel?

Yes, UNIQUE Function can handle headers. For example: =UNIQUE(B2:B50) will extract unique products from a sales database. This returns: Laptop,Mouse,Keyboard,Monitor,Headset

How can I optimize UNIQUE Function performance?

To optimize UNIQUE Function: 1) Use specific ranges instead of entire columns, 2) Avoid volatile functions within UNIQUE Function, 3) Consider array formulas for bulk operations, 4) Cache results when possible. AskFormulas automatically applies optimization best practices.

UNIQUE Function

The UNIQUE function returns unique values from a range or array, eliminating duplicates automatically. Perfect for creating distinct lists from data.

Excel

Google Sheets

array

intermediate

Syntax Preview

Excel

Google Sheets

=UNIQUE(array, [by_col], [exactly_once])

Quick Answer

TL;DR

UNIQUE function UNIQUE function is a dynamic array function in Excel 365 and Google Sheets that returns a list of unique values from a specified range or array. It automatically filters out duplicate values and returns only distinct items, making it invaluable for data analysis, creating dropdown lists, and cleaning datasets.

It automatically filters out duplicate values and returns only distinct items, making it invaluable for data analysis, creating dropdown lists, and cleaning datasets.

Comprehensive Explanation

Syntax and Parameters

Practical Examples

Basic Product List

Extract unique products from a sales database

Result: Laptop,Mouse,Keyboard,Monitor,Headset

Multi-Column Unique Combinations

Find unique customer-product combinations for cross-sell analysis

Result: John Smith,Laptop,Jane Doe,Mouse,Bob Wilson,Keyboard

Values Appearing Only Once

Identify single-occurrence items for special handling

Result: Special Order #12345,Custom Build #789,One-Time Service

Dynamic Dropdown Source

Create self-updating validation list for data entry

Result: Accounting,Engineering,HR,Marketing,Sales

Cross-Reference Analysis

Compare unique values between two datasets

Result: Product-X,Product-Y,Product-Z

Common Errors and Solutions

#SPILL!

UNIQUE result cannot spill due to blocked cells

Cause:

The cells where UNIQUE needs to output results contain data or merged cells

Solution:

1. Clear the spill range by deleting content below the formula cell 2. Remove any merged cells in the output area 3. Move the formula to a location with sufficient empty space 4. Use INDEX to extract specific values if space is limited

Prevention:

Always place UNIQUE formulas in areas with ample empty space below and to the right

Frequency: 35%

Example:

#VALUE!

Invalid parameter types or incompatible data

Cause:

Mixing incompatible data types or using text values for boolean parameters

Solution:

1. Ensure by_col parameter is TRUE or FALSE (or 1/0) 2. Check that exactly_once is a boolean value 3. Verify the source range contains valid data 4. Remove any error values from the source range

Prevention:

Use explicit TRUE/FALSE for optional parameters and clean source data first

Frequency: 20%

Example:

#NAME?

Function not recognized in current Excel version

Cause:

UNIQUE is only available in Excel 365/2021+ and Google Sheets, not in older Excel versions

Solution:

1. Upgrade to Excel 365 or Excel 2021 2. Use Google Sheets which supports UNIQUE 3. Alternative: Use Remove Duplicates feature (Data tab) 4. Alternative: Use Advanced Filter with 'Unique records only'

Prevention:

Check Excel version before using dynamic array functions

Frequency: 25%

Example:

#REF!

Invalid range reference or deleted source data

Cause:

The source range has been deleted, moved, or the reference is invalid

Solution:

1. Verify the source range exists and is accessible 2. Re-establish the range reference 3. Use structured references for table data 4. Check for broken links if referencing other workbooks

Prevention:

Use table references or named ranges for more stable references

Frequency: 15%

Example:

Incomplete Results

Not all unique values are displayed

Cause:

Excel's row limit reached, or exactly_once parameter filtering too aggressively

Solution:

1. Check if exactly_once is set correctly (FALSE for all unique values) 2. Verify source range includes all data 3. Check for leading/trailing spaces causing false duplicates 4. Use TRIM to clean text data before applying UNIQUE

Prevention:

Clean and normalize data before applying UNIQUE function

Frequency: 5%

Example:

Advanced Tips and Techniques

Combine with Dynamic Array Functions

Modern Excel and Sheets allow powerful combinations. Try =SORT(UNIQUE(data)) for alphabetical unique lists, or =FILTER(UNIQUE(data), LEN(UNIQUE(data))>0) to remove blanks from results.

Performance Optimization

For datasets over 10,000 rows, reference specific ranges instead of entire columns. Using A2:A10000 instead of A:A can improve calculation speed by 5-10x.

Case Sensitivity Consideration

UNIQUE is case-sensitive. 'Apple' and 'apple' are treated as different values. Use UPPER or LOWER to standardize case if needed.

Version Compatibility

UNIQUE requires Excel 365/2021+ or Google Sheets. For Excel 2019 and earlier, use Remove Duplicates feature or create helper columns with COUNTIF.

Data Validation Integration

Create dynamic dropdown lists by using UNIQUE as the source for Data Validation. The list auto-updates as new unique values appear in your data.

Cross-Sheet References

UNIQUE works across sheets and even workbooks. Use it to consolidate unique values from multiple data sources into a master list.

UNIQUE vs Alternative Methods

Best Use Cases

Need Help with UNIQUE Function?

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Example Excel formula:

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