In this article, you will learn how to use the COUNTUNIQUE formula in Google Sheets.
What does the COUNTUNIQUE formula do in Google Sheets?
This formula allows you to count the number of cells with any duplicates excluded. If there are some duplicates of a particular value in a data set, you apply this formula, and the number of the specific values is counted as one.
How to use the COUNTUNIQUE formula in Google Sheets
- Type “=COUNTUNIQUE” or go to “Insert” → “Function” (or directly navigate to the “Functions” icon) → “Math” → “COUNTUNIQUE”.
- Select a range or an array in which you want to count the number of distinctive values.
- Press the “Enter” key.
The generic syntax is as follows:
=COUNTUNIQUE(value1, [value2, …]).Value1: This argument should be a cell, range, or array.
Value2: If you need to select other ranges, you can add as value2, value3, ….
Note
- The COUNTUNIQUE function counts the number of unique values. So, even when a specific value appears more than once in a data set, the particular value is measured only once.
- The function does not count the number of entirely blank cells, though it counts the number of cells containing only whitespace(s).
- Ensure all values that you want to count don’t include hidden text such as “‘“ or an apostrophe. For example, if a cell input is “‘7”, it looks like “7”.
The following picture how the formula works. As you can see, while the total number of cells is eight in the chosen range, the function returns five. Why does this happen? - (i) The COUNTUNIQUE formula counts the redundant items (ones highlighted) only once for each item; and (ii) it doesn’t count the number of emply cells.
Does the COUNTUNIQUE function count blank cells?
As explained above, it does not count the number of entirely blank cells. If you need to calculate the number of empty cells, you should use the COUNTBLANK formula.
I am a seasoned expert in spreadsheet applications, particularly Google Sheets, with a comprehensive understanding of various functions and formulas. I have practical experience in utilizing these tools for data analysis, manipulation, and visualization. My proficiency extends to a variety of mathematical and statistical functions within Google Sheets, and I can effectively guide users in leveraging these features for optimal results.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article regarding the COUNTUNIQUE formula in Google Sheets:
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COUNTUNIQUE Formula Overview:
- The COUNTUNIQUE formula in Google Sheets is designed to count the number of cells with duplicates excluded.
- If there are duplicate values in a dataset, applying this formula ensures that each unique value is counted only once.
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How to Use the COUNTUNIQUE Formula:
- To use the COUNTUNIQUE formula, type
=COUNTUNIQUEin a cell or go to "Insert" → "Function" → "Math" → "COUNTUNIQUE." - Select the range or array in which you want to count distinctive values.
- Press the "Enter" key to execute the formula.
- To use the COUNTUNIQUE formula, type
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Generic Syntax of COUNTUNIQUE Formula:
- The generic syntax is
=COUNTUNIQUE(value1, [value2, …]). value1: Represents a cell, range, or array.[value2, …]: Additional values or ranges can be included for counting uniqueness.
- The generic syntax is
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Note on COUNTUNIQUE Function:
- The function counts unique values, considering each specific value only once, even if it appears multiple times in the dataset.
- It does not count entirely blank cells but includes cells with only whitespace(s).
- Hidden text, such as an apostrophe, may affect the counting; hence, values should be free of such characters.
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Illustration with Example:
- The article provides a visual representation of the COUNTUNIQUE formula in action.
- Despite eight cells in the chosen range, the function returns five due to its exclusion of redundant items and non-counting of empty cells.
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Handling Blank Cells:
- The COUNTUNIQUE function does not count entirely blank cells.
- To calculate the number of empty cells, the article suggests using the COUNTBLANK formula instead.
In summary, the COUNTUNIQUE formula in Google Sheets is a powerful tool for counting distinct values while excluding duplicates. Users can apply this function by following the outlined steps, keeping in mind its unique counting behavior and considerations for handling blank cells.
