No need to Manually Remove Duplicates in Excel. Make it easy and Quick Using UNIQUE Function to Remove Duplicates in Excel. In this article, we are going to learn How to Remove Duplicates in Excel Using UNIQUE Function.

How to Use the UNIQUE Function in Excel

What is the Unique Function in Excel

The UNIQUE characteristic in Excel is an on-hand function that allows you to extract particular values from a range or listing. Imagine you have a long list of items, like names or numbers, and you most effectively need to look at each item as soon as possible. Instead of manually scanning and Copying off duplicates, you could use the UNIQUE feature. It routinely filters out repeated entries, leaving you with a smooth list of excellent values. It can prevent time and effort, particularly while managing huge information or data units. Plus, it keeps your facts organized and easy to work with, making Excel smoother for analysis and reporting.

Excel UNIQUE Function

The UNIQUE function in Excel is a part of the dynamic array features and has a few vital information to maintain in mind. Here are some points to understand more:

Dynamic Range Creation: If you use UNIQUE and the result is the last output (now not used in another feature), Excel automatically creates a variety with a suitable size to show the unique values. You only need to enter the formula once.

Empty Cells Requirement: Ensure there are enough blank cells below or next to where you enter the UNIQUE formula. If not, Excel shows a #SPILL error.

Automatic Updates: Results update when your original data changes. However, new entries added outside the original data range won’t be included unless you adjust the formula.

Cross-Workbook Functioning: Dynamic array functions work between open workbooks. If the source workbook is closed, a related UNIQUE formula gives a #REF! (Error).

Compatibility with Excel Tables: UNIQUE can’t be used directly within Excel tables; it will result in a #SPILL! (error.)

How to Use the UNIQUE Function to Remove Duplicates

The UNIQUE function in Excel is a tool for extracting and displaying unique values from a list or range of data. It automatically removes duplicate entries, providing a clean and organized set of distinct values for analysis or reporting purposes.

For example, if you have data like “Apple,” “Banana,” and “Apple,” UNIQUE will show “Apple” and “Banana” once each, removing duplicates automatically for more straightforward analysis. Follow the below steps to learn more quickly –

Step 1: Open Excel

Open Excel on your device.

Open Excel on your device

Step 2: Enter Data

In cell A1, type “Apple.” In cell A2, type “Banana.” In cell A3, type “Apple.” It gives us a list of two apples and one banana.

Enter Data

Step 3: Select Output Range

Click on cell B1, where you want the unique values to appear.

Select Output Range

Step 4: Enter the Formula

In cell B1, type “=UNIQUE(A1:A3)” and press Enter. It tells Excel to find unique values in cells A1 to A3.

Enter the Formula

Step 5: View Unique Values

Cell B1 will now display “Apple” and “Banana” with no duplicates.

View Unique Values

How does a Unique Function Work

The UNIQUE function in Excel is a magic that makes duplicate items disappear from your list, leaving the unique ones at the back of the simplest. It’s like having a neat and clean version of your records, making it more straightforward to look at what’s essential and avoid repeating the same information. Here are a few points to know how unique works-

Distinct Values Only: The UNIQUE function in Excel automatically removes repeated items from your list, keeping only the unique ones.

Neat and Clean: It creates a cleaner and more organized version of your data, making it easier to recognize and work with.

Focus on unique values: By deleting duplicates, you can focus on the ones you remember most in your analysis or reports.

Efficient Analysis: This tool saves time and effort compared to manually scanning and deleting duplicates from massive datasets.

Automatic Updates: If your data changes, the UNIQUE function automatically updates the list of unique values, ensuring accuracy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Excel’s UNIQUE function is a powerful tool for efficiently managing and analyzing data by effortlessly removing duplicate entries. Its functionality is to extract duplicate values from various listed duties, saving precious effort and time with massive data.Automatically organizing information and updating results enhances the clarity and accuracy of information and analyses. The UNIQUE function in Excel is great for finding unique items and keeping records tidy. It helps in tasks like organizing data and making analysis more accessible. However, it can run into problems with Excel tables and might not work smoothly with filtered lists or across different workbooks. Overall, it’s a helpful tool for everyone who works with Excel.

FAQ’s on Remove Duplicates in Excel

Can I use the UNIQUE function to remove duplicates from a filtered list?

Yes, you may use the UNIQUE function with a filtered listing in Excel. Apply the filter out for your data, then enter the UNIQUE formula to show specific values based on the filtered standards.

What are some everyday use cases for the UNIQUE function in Excel?

The UNIQUE function in Excel is commonly used for data cleansing, Reporting, analysis, validation, pivot tables, database control, drop-down lists, and dynamic data handling, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in data operations.

Can I use the UNIQUE function to remove duplicate values in a column without sorting the data?

Yes, the UNIQUE function in Excel can delete duplicate values from a column without requiring you to sort the data first. It automatically keeps the most straightforward, most precise values.

Can I use unique across multiple columns?

Yes, you can use the UNIQUE function across multiple columns in Excel by specifying a range that covers those columns. It will return unique values from the combined columns.

What do you use to find unique values in Excel?

While finding particular values in Excel, use the UNIQUE function. It automatically identifies and presents excellent entries from a selected range, simplifying data analysis and organization.