How to Use UNIQUE Function in Excel to Remove Duplicates

Working with large datasets in Microsoft Excel often leads to repeated values that clutter your spreadsheets. Removing duplicates is an essential step in data cleaning and analysis. Traditionally, users relied on the "Remove Duplicates" tool under the Data tab, but that method is static—it does not automatically update when new data is added. This is where the UNIQUE function in Excel shines.

Introduced in Excel 365 and Excel 2021, the UNIQUE function provides a dynamic and formula-driven way to extract unique values from your dataset. It not only removes duplicates but also updates instantly when your data changes, making it ideal for creating live reports, dashboards, and automated analysis tools.

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to use the UNIQUE function in Excel to remove duplicates with real-world examples, step-by-step instructions, and advanced tips.

🔹 What is the UNIQUE Function in Excel?

The UNIQUE function is part of Excel’s dynamic array functions. It automatically returns a list of unique values from a given range or array. Unlike manual methods, it keeps your results dynamic—any changes in the original dataset are instantly reflected in the output.

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

  • array → The range or array you want to extract unique values from.
  • [by_col] → (Optional) TRUE checks columns, FALSE checks rows. Default is FALSE.
  • [exactly_once] → (Optional) TRUE returns values that appear only once, FALSE returns all distinct values. Default is FALSE.

🔹 Example 1: Extract Unique Values from a List

Suppose you have a list of product names in column A. To generate a list of unique products without duplicates, use:

Formula:
=UNIQUE(A2:A20)

This formula will display only the distinct product names in your dataset.

🔹 Example 2: Remove Duplicates from Multiple Columns

Let’s say you have a dataset with two columns: Product and Category. To extract unique rows (ignoring duplicate records across both columns), use:

Formula:
=UNIQUE(A2:B20)

Excel will return only the unique row combinations of Product and Category, automatically removing duplicates.

🔹 Example 3: Return Values That Appear Only Once

Sometimes, you may want to extract values that occur exactly once in a dataset. For example, from a list of employee names, you want only the names that do not repeat:

Formula:
=UNIQUE(A2:A20, , TRUE)

This formula will display only the names that appear once in the given range.

🔹 Example 4: Extract Unique Columns Instead of Rows

By default, UNIQUE checks for unique rows. However, if your dataset is arranged in columns (horizontally), you can set by_col to TRUE:

Formula:
=UNIQUE(A1:H1, TRUE)

This extracts unique values from a horizontal array.

🔹 Example 5: Combining UNIQUE with SORT

The UNIQUE function can be combined with other dynamic array functions for even more powerful results. For example, to return unique product names in alphabetical order:

Formula:
=SORT(UNIQUE(A2:A20))

This formula first removes duplicates, then sorts the output alphabetically.

🔹 Example 6: Count the Number of Unique Values

If you want to count how many unique values exist in a dataset, wrap the UNIQUE function with the COUNTA function:

Formula:
=COUNTA(UNIQUE(A2:A20))

This quickly tells you the total number of distinct items in your list.

🔹 Why Use UNIQUE Instead of "Remove Duplicates" Tool?

  • Dynamic Updates: Automatically reflects changes in your source data.
  • Non-Destructive: Does not delete original data; instead, it generates a new array.
  • Efficiency: Works seamlessly with other functions like SORT, FILTER, and COUNTIF.
  • Automation: Ideal for dashboards and reports where real-time updates are needed.

🔹 Common Errors with UNIQUE Function

  • #NAME? Error: Occurs if you’re using Excel versions that don’t support UNIQUE (Excel 365 or 2021 required).
  • #VALUE! Error: Happens if the array reference is invalid.
  • Empty Results: If no unique values exist, Excel will return a blank array.

🔹 Conclusion

The UNIQUE function in Excel is a powerful and modern way to remove duplicates and streamline data analysis. Unlike manual methods, it provides a dynamic solution that saves time and eliminates repetitive tasks. Whether you’re working with lists, tables, or entire datasets, mastering the UNIQUE function will help you build smarter, automated spreadsheets.

❓ FAQ

Q1: What version of Excel supports the UNIQUE function?
The UNIQUE function is available in Microsoft 365 and Excel 2021. Older versions like Excel 2016 and 2019 do not support it.

Q2: Can UNIQUE remove duplicates across multiple columns?
Yes, if you provide a multi-column array, it will remove duplicate rows based on all included columns.

Q3: How is UNIQUE different from the "Remove Duplicates" tool?
UNIQUE is formula-based and dynamic, while "Remove Duplicates" is a one-time static operation.

Q4: Can I sort results with UNIQUE?
Yes, by combining UNIQUE with the SORT function.

Q5: How do I get only values that appear once?
Use the third argument (exactly_once=TRUE) to filter values that occur only once in your dataset.

🏷️ Tags

Excel UNIQUE Function, Remove Duplicates in Excel, Excel Dynamic Arrays, Excel Tips and Tricks, Excel Data Cleaning

📌 Related Posts

📚 Related Resources

✅ Call to Action (CTA)

Now that you know how to use the UNIQUE function in Excel to remove duplicates, it’s time to apply it to your own spreadsheets. Try it with your datasets, experiment with combining it with SORT and FILTER, and see how it transforms your workflow. If you found this guide useful, share it with your colleagues and bookmark it for future reference. 🚀

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