XL: Finding Unique Elements in a Range |
The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, version 4.0
- Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 4.0, 4.0a
SUMMARY
In Microsoft Excel, there are two methods you can use to find all the unique elements in a range of cells:
- Define the range of cells containing the values as a database. (A Data Extract of unique records can only be performed using a blank criteria range.)
NOTE: This method requires that the values in question be in one column only.
-or-
- Use an array formula to determine if a duplicate value already exists in the range of cells to be evaluated.
MORE INFORMATION
Example of Defining the Records in a Database
Enter the following in a new worksheet:
A1 FIELDNAME B1 FIELDNAME C1 FIELDNAME A2 Lori B2 C2 Lori A3 Frank B3 C3 Frank A4 John B4 C4 John A5 Frank A6 Lori A7 Lori E1: DATABASE F1: CRITERIA G1: EXTRACT E2: RANGE F2: RANGE G2: RANGE
- Arrange the data such that it is all in one column.
- Insert a field name at the top of the column of data.
- Select the field name and data. From the Data menu, choose Set Database.
- Copy the field name only from the top of the database column and paste the name into the cell at the top of an adjacent blank column.
- Select the cell where the field name has been pasted and also select the blank cell directly below. From the Data menu, choose Set Criteria.
- Paste the copied field name again in another blank cell on the worksheet (allow enough room below the pasted field name for unique values extracted from the database range).
- With this cell selected, choose Set Extract from the Data menu.
- From the Data menu, choose Data Extract and select the Unique Records only check box in the Extract dialog box. All unique values in the column of original data should appear in the Extract range.
Example of Using an Array Formula to
Determine If a Duplicate Value Already Exists
Enter the following data into a new worksheet:
A1 NAMES B1 UNIQUE_SET A2 Lori B2 Lori A3 John B3 John A4 Frank B4 Frank A5 John A6 Lori
In cell B2, enter the following formula as an array :
=IF(SUM((A2=$B$1:B1)*1)=0,A2,"")
Fill the array formula down to cell B6. The unique set of values, will be displayed in cells B2:B6.
Additional query words: 4.00a howto list
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Version : WINDOWS: 4.0; MACINTOSH: 4.0, 4.0a
Platform : MACINTOSH WINDOWS
Issue type : kbhowto
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Last Reviewed: August 26, 1999 |