Google Sheets beginner unique sort dynamic functions

How to Get a Sorted List of Unique Values in Google Sheets?

Sort Unique Values is a Google Sheets function that returns a sorted list of unique values from the specified column.. Formula Genius generates and validates this formula automatically from a plain-English prompt.

Struggling with duplicate values? This guide shows you how to dynamically sort and list unique entries from a column in Google Sheets.

The Formula

Prompt

"Get a sorted list of unique values from a column in Google Sheets that updates automatically using SORT and UNIQUE together"

Google Sheets
=SORT(UNIQUE(A:A))

This formula returns a sorted list of unique values from the specified column.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

  1. UNIQUE(A:A) extracts all unique values from column A.
  2. SORT(...) sorts the unique values in ascending order.
  3. The formula updates automatically as data in column A changes.
  4. You can replace A:A with any specific range to limit the data.

Edge Cases & Warnings

  • The formula returns an empty list if the specified column has no values.
  • If all values in the column are duplicates, it returns a single unique value.
  • Sorting is case-sensitive, so 'apple' and 'Apple' are treated as different values.
  • If the range includes blank cells, they will be ignored in the unique list.

Examples

Prompt

"Column A: apple, banana, apple, orange"

Google Sheets
apple, banana, orange
Prompt

"Column A: 1, 2, 2, 3, 1"

Google Sheets
1, 2, 3

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sort unique values in descending order?

Yes, use =SORT(UNIQUE(A:A), 1, FALSE) for descending order.

Will this formula work with text and numbers?

Yes, it works with both text and numeric values.

How do I apply this to a specific range?

Replace A:A with your desired range, like A1:A10.

Can't find what you need?

Describe any formula in plain English and Formula Genius will generate, explain, and validate it — instantly.