What you will practise
UNIQUE keeps the first occurrence of each team. Its one-column output can grow or shrink with the source.
UNIQUE(array, [by_col], [exactly_once])The syntax above is a guide. Read the data and each task to choose the right arguments for your formula.
Original formula and spill examples
These examples use the original practice data. Fresh data changes the source; follow the current task. Enter one formula at the anchor. The workbook derives the entire spill without overwriting the source.
Exercise 1 · anchor D2
Original source cells
- A1
- Item
- B1
- Team
- C1
- Units
- A2
- Clip
- B2
- Studio
- C2
- 4
- A3
- Tray
- B3
- Field
- C3
- 12
- A4
- Clip
- B4
- Studio
- C4
- 4
- A5
- Lamp
- B5
- Studio
- C5
- 9
- A6
- Tray
- B6
- Field
- C6
- 12
- A7
- Board
- B7
- Remote
- C7
- 12
=UNIQUE(B2:B7)Expected spill D2:D4 · 3 rows × 1 column.
| Studio |
| Field |
| Remote |
Exercise 2 · anchor D2
Original source cells
- A1
- Item
- B1
- Team
- C1
- Units
- A2
- Clip
- B2
- Studio
- C2
- 4
- A3
- Tray
- B3
- Field
- C3
- 12
- A4
- Clip
- B4
- Studio
- C4
- 4
- A5
- Lamp
- B5
- Studio
- C5
- 9
- A6
- Tray
- B6
- Field
- C6
- 12
- A7
- Board
- B7
- Remote
- C7
- 12
=UNIQUE(A2:C7)Expected spill D2:F5 · 4 rows × 3 columns.
| Clip | Studio | 4 |
| Tray | Field | 12 |
| Lamp | Studio | 9 |
| Board | Remote | 12 |
Exercise 3 · anchor D2
Original source cells
- A1
- Item
- B1
- Team
- C1
- Units
- A2
- Clip
- B2
- Studio
- C2
- 4
- A3
- Tray
- B3
- Field
- C3
- 12
- A4
- Clip
- B4
- Studio
- C4
- 4
- A5
- Lamp
- B5
- Studio
- C5
- 9
- A6
- Tray
- B6
- Field
- C6
- 12
- A7
- Board
- B7
- Remote
- C7
- 12
=UNIQUE(A2:C7,,TRUE)Expected spill D2:F3 · 2 rows × 3 columns.
| Lamp | Studio | 9 |
| Board | Remote | 12 |
3 exercises in this lesson
- Exercise 1 · answer in D2
In D2, use UNIQUE to list each team in B2:B7 once, in first-appearance order.
- Exercise 2 · answer in D2
In D2, use UNIQUE on A2:C7 to return each distinct complete record once. Keep first-appearance order.
- Exercise 3 · answer in D2
In D2, use UNIQUE to return only complete records in A2:C7 that occur exactly once. Omit by_col and set exactly_once to TRUE.
Before you check your answer
- Write one anchor formula. Enter the formula in D2. Every derived spill cell is read-only and points back to that same editor. Keep the source intact.
- Check the whole shape. Inspect every row and column of the result, including repeated records, order, text casing and padding. A matching first cell alone is not enough.
- Recover a blocked spill. A #SPILL! error identifies an occupied cell or the worksheet edge. Correct the formula to fit the requested shape; keep immutable source notes. View source and View spill help you inspect both areas.
How the answer is checked
The workbook checks every row and column, the complete dimensions, each typed value and the spill placement. It requires the taught function to execute and tests reusable formulas against changed trusted source data. Fixed results, a function in an unused branch, edited source or submitted derived cells cannot earn completion. Equivalent reusable formulas can pass. Account progress is saved only after the server verifies the same task and access rules.
Use progressive hints when you need help, then try the task again with fresh data. Correctly solving a step opens the next exercise.
The workbook opens with this skill selected. Work through the exercises at your own pace.