Extract Multiple Unique Columns in Excel

Introduction

In Excel, extracting unique values from a dataset can be essential for data analysis and reporting. This blog post explores how to extract multiple unique columns in Excel using the UNIQUE function. We will walk through the process step by step, ensuring you can apply these techniques effectively to your own datasets.

Video Tutorial

Setting Up Your Data

To begin, you’ll need a dataset structured in a table format. For our example, we will use a table that includes the following columns: Country, Population, and Region. The first step is to create a table from your data.

Creating the Table

To create a table in Excel, follow these steps:

1. Select your data range.
2. Press Ctrl + T to bring up the Create Table dialog.
3. Ensure the checkbox for “My table has headers” is selected, and click OK.

Once you have your table, you can name it. For this example, we will name it cty_unicore_pop_reg.

Using the UNIQUE Function

Now that your data is organized into a table, you can use the UNIQUE function to extract the unique values across multiple columns.

Extracting Unique Rows

To extract unique rows from the table, you will use the UNIQUE function as follows:

=UNIQUE(cty_unicore_pop_reg, , FALSE)

This formula will return all unique rows from the specified table. The parameters in the UNIQUE function are:

• array: The range of data from which to extract unique values.
• by_col: This argument is optional; set to TRUE if you want to evaluate by column.
• distinct: Set to FALSE to return all unique rows or TRUE to return only distinct items that appear once.

Returning Multiple Columns

One of the advantages of using the UNIQUE function is its ability to return multiple columns. To do this, simply select the entire table when specifying the array in the UNIQUE function:

=UNIQUE(cty_unicore_pop_reg)

This will return all unique rows across the three columns: Country, Population, and Region.

Extracting Specific Columns

If you only want to extract unique values from specific columns, you can modify the array parameter. For instance, to extract unique values from the Country and Population columns, you would use:

=UNIQUE(cty_unicore_pop_reg[Country], cty_unicore_pop_reg[Population])

This returns a unique list based on the specified columns only.

Updating the Table

When you add new data to your table, Excel automatically updates the unique list. For instance, if you add “Spain” to the Country column, the unique list will reflect this change.

Understanding Distinct vs. Unique

It is important to differentiate between “unique” and “distinct” values in Excel. Unique values are those that appear only once in your dataset, while distinct values include all unique entries, regardless of how many times they appear.

Changing the Last Argument

You can modify the last argument of the UNIQUE function to toggle between returning distinct and unique values. For example:

=UNIQUE(cty_unicore_pop_reg, , TRUE)

This will return only those items that appear exactly once within your dataset.

Conclusion

Using the UNIQUE function in Excel is a powerful way to extract multiple unique columns from a dataset. Whether you need a complete unique list or specific columns, this function simplifies the process. By following the steps outlined in this post, you can enhance your data analysis skills and make your reports more insightful.

Further Learning

For those interested in expanding their knowledge of Excel, consider exploring more tutorials:

• Microsoft Excel Tips and Tricks – YouTube
• Microsoft Office 2021 and Office 365 Training Tutorials – YouTube

For best Youtube service to grow faster vidiq:- Click Me

for best cheap but feature rich hosting hostingial:- Click Me

The best earn money ai tool gravity write:- Click Me

/* Adjusting Featured Image Size on Post Entry (Uncropped) */ .post .featured-image { max-height: none; /* Disable cropping */ overflow: visible; border-radius: 20px; transition: none; /* No hover effect */ }.post .featured-image img { width: 100%; object-fit: contain; border-radius: 20px; }/* Buttons in Sidebar Widgets */ .widget .button { background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(–primary-color), var(–secondary-color)); color: #fff; padding: 10px 20px; border-radius: 25px; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out; box-shadow: 0 7px 28px var(–shadow-color); }.widget .button:hover { transform: translateY(-2px); box-shadow: 0 10px 35px var(–hover-shadow); }