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🧮 Google Sheets array formulas examples

Unique Examples in Google Sheets

Return unique rows or values from a range. This page gives a clear pattern, five practical examples and common mistakes to avoid.

Updated 2026-06-125 practical examplesCopy-ready formulas

Syntax or pattern

Return unique rows or values from a range.

=UNIQUE(range)
✍️

5 practical examples

1

Apply UNIQUE to a whole column

Fill calculated results automatically as new rows are added.

=ARRAYFORMULA(IF(A2:A="",,B2:B*C2:C))

Adjust the ranges, criteria and sheet names to match your workbook.

2

Return active rows

Create a live view of active records.

=FILTER(A2:E, D2:D="Active")

Adjust the ranges, criteria and sheet names to match your workbook.

3

Sort a report table

Sort rows by the fifth column in descending order.

=SORT(A2:E, 5, FALSE)

Adjust the ranges, criteria and sheet names to match your workbook.

4

List unique categories

Return a clean list of distinct categories.

=UNIQUE(B2:B)

Adjust the ranges, criteria and sheet names to match your workbook.

5

Generate row numbers

Create automatic numbering for non-empty records.

=SEQUENCE(COUNTA(A2:A))

Adjust the ranges, criteria and sheet names to match your workbook.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Putting manual values inside a spill output range.
  • Using full-column ranges on very heavy sheets without need.
  • Forgetting that one formula can fill many rows.

Related Google Sheets examples

🧮 Arrayformula🧮 Filter🧮 Sort🧮 Sequence🟩 All Google Sheets examples

FAQ

What is this Google Sheets page for?

This page gives copy-ready examples for unique examples so you can understand the pattern and adapt it to real spreadsheet work.

Can I copy these formulas directly?

Yes. Use the copy buttons, then adjust sheet names, ranges, criteria and column references for your own file.

Why does my formula return an error?

The most common causes are mismatched ranges, missing quotes around text criteria, blank source data, or references that do not match your sheet layout.

💡 Useful resources

Here are some ideas for you

Optional resources that may help if you are learning Google Sheets, building trackers, creating dashboards or improving spreadsheet workflows.

  • 📘
    Google Sheets books

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    Keyboard shortcut guides

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  • 🔢
    Numeric keypads

    Useful if you enter numbers often on a laptop or compact keyboard.

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  • 🖥️
    External monitors

    Helpful for viewing data, formulas and dashboards side by side.

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  • 📒
    Desk notebooks

    Sketch formulas, tracker layouts and reporting ideas before building.

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