How to Use UNIQUE in Google Sheets: Simple Guide

Use the UNIQUE function in Google Sheets to extract distinct values from a range or list. Simply enter =UNIQUE(range) where range is the cells you want to filter for unique entries.

Syntax

The UNIQUE function syntax is simple:

• UNIQUE(range): Returns unique rows or values from the specified range.

range: The cells you want to check for unique values. It can be a single column, row, or multiple columns.

google_sheets

=UNIQUE(A2:A10)

Example

This example shows how to get unique names from a list in column A:

google_sheets

A2:A8 contains:  
Apple  
Banana  
Apple  
Orange  
Banana  
Grape  
Orange

In B2, enter the formula:  
=UNIQUE(A2:A8)

Output

Apple
Banana
Orange
Grape

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when using UNIQUE include:

• Not selecting the correct range, causing unexpected results.
• Using UNIQUE on a range with empty cells, which will include blank rows as unique.
• Expecting UNIQUE to sort results; it only filters duplicates but keeps original order.

Wrong: =UNIQUE(A2:A10, TRUE) (extra argument causes error)

Right: =UNIQUE(A2:A10)

google_sheets

=UNIQUE(A2:A10, TRUE)

=UNIQUE(A2:A10)

Quick Reference

Feature	Description
Function	Extracts unique values or rows from a range
Input	A range of cells (single or multiple columns)
Output	Array of unique values or rows
Order	Keeps the first occurrence order, no sorting
Blank Cells	Included as unique if present
Use Case	Remove duplicates, list distinct items

Key Takeaways

Use =UNIQUE(range) to get distinct values from a list or range.

UNIQUE keeps the original order and does not sort results.

Avoid extra arguments; UNIQUE only takes one parameter: the range.

Blank cells in the range are treated as unique values.

UNIQUE works with single columns or multiple columns to return unique rows.